Manchester City lost crucial ground to Arsenal in the Premier League title race as they could only manage a 0-0 draw away to Sunderland. Pep Guardiola's side had a poor first half and Erling Haaland had a bad day at the office, only having one proper chance which he sent straight at Sunderland's superb goalkeeper Robin Roefs. Gianluigi Donnarumma was even more impressive down the other end.
Former Paris Saint-Germain No.1 Gianluigi Donnarumma, who now plays for Manchester City, has been named the 2025 Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper, with Lionesses star Hannah Hampton bagging the Women's prize. Donnarumma and Hampton were both part of treble-winning sides last season, while the latter also played a key role in England's successful European Championship defence.
Pep Guardiola has made it clear he will not be pulling Gianluigi Donnarumma aside for a warning despite the goalkeeper amassing four bookings in just ten Premier League appearances. The Manchester City manager insisted the Italian is old enough to recognise that his temperament on the pitch must be reined in, even as he edges toward a disciplinary record no goalkeeper in the competition has ever reached.
Out-of-favour Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford reportedly wants to leave the club, just five months after returning to the Etihad Stadium. The 23-year-old played a crucial role in helping Burnley earn promotion to the Premier League last season, but he has struggled to gain regular minutes following his summer switch to Pep Guardiola’s side.
It has been revealed that the Premier League's lawmakers are considering a rule change to combat the growing trend of goalkeepers going down to receive treatment and create a 'timeout' of sorts for their side. The tactic has been growing in popularity ever since similar rules were put in place to prevent outfield players doing the same thing. Discussed solutions include forcing a nominated outfield player to leave the field in place of the goalkeeper.
Leeds United boss Daniel Farke has accused Gianluigi Donnarumma of "faking" an injury to allow Pep Guardiola to deliver a Manchester City team talk when the game was hanging in the balance. The Italian asked for treatment in the second half when Leeds had made it 2-1 and were in the ascendancy. The visitors got it back to 2-2 before Phil Foden's stoppage-time winner secured all three points on Saturday at the Etihad.
When Manchester City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, most of the reaction focused on his ability, or lack thereof, with the ball at his feet, in sharp contrast to the man he was replacing, Ederson. But nearly three months into his spell with City, the Italian is struggling with a different challenge: the Premier League’s attitude to pushing in the box.
Gianluigi Donnarumma has been slammed for his role in Bournemouth's equalising goal against Manchester City after the goalkeeper flapped at an Alex Scott corner. The Italian's complaints to Anthony Taylor about a potential push were rightfully waved away by the referee. Donnarumma was left looking rather foolish and fans were keen to poke fun at the former Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper.
James Trafford found himself in the bizarre situation where he was both bought and replaced by Manchester City during the same transfer window this past summer, starting the 2025-26 season as the main man between the sticks but promptly dropped. Pep Guardiola is still an admirer, though, ultimately tipping the goalkeeper for a big role with England in the future.