Gianluigi Donnarumma reveals secret to goalkeeping success when facing Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma has pinpointed one element of his game he focussed upon in the lead-up to the eventual 1-1 draw against Arsenal this season.

Since arriving at the Etihad Stadium from PSG during the summer, Donnarumma has quickly established himself as one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted players, adapting seamlessly to life in the Premier League.

The Italian shot-stopper has impressed with his commanding presence and calm distribution, proving why City were so eager to secure his signature, while early performances have drawn widespread praise from both pundits and teammates who already see him as a crucial piece in City’s transition at the back.

The 26-year-old’s understanding of Guardiola’s tactical demands has also stood out. Under the Catalan manager, goalkeepers are expected not only to save shots but also to initiate play, control tempo, and anticipate danger before it develops.

Donnarumma’s physicality and decision-making have been essential in maintaining City’s defensive stability, especially during high-stakes encounters against direct rivals. His recent outing against Arsenal further highlighted how preparation and communication underpin his performances.

He has also taken significant inspiration from his predecessors in the role, including Ederson, whose technical brilliance redefined the position at City. While Donnarumma’s style differs, he has aimed to combine that with Pep Guardiola’s modern, possession-oriented approach. The blend has been particularly visible in matches against high-pressing teams like Arsenal, where composure and judgment are critical to success.

Speaking during a new and exclusive interview with MailSport’s Ian Ladyman, Donnarumma insisted on the importance of focussing on traditional goalkeeping first and foremost, enabling his defensive teammates to feel confident in their shot-stopper.

“The important thing is to make saves, first of all,” the Italy international insisted. “A goalkeeper must be heard and command the defence. That way they can feel safe with me, the way I feel safe with them.”

Continuing, Donnarumma also referenced the recent 1-1 draw away to Arsenal, and his added focus on being strong from set-pieces as he said, “I am very tall, and I try to cover as much space as possible in the box.

“The important thing is to have a balance and understand when you can come away from your goal line and when you can’t. It’s very important, because exaggerations either way are never good. So situations must always be well dealt with.

“However, my first goal on corners is to help my team because they need my presence in the box. Here at City we prepare every single detail on the pitch. We knew Arsenal are very strong on corners, very difficult to play against. So the team needed me and my help.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s growing influence at Manchester City could mark the beginning of a defining era for the club’s goalkeeping department, with his emphasis on leadership and aerial dominance adds a slightly different dynamic to Pep Guardiola’s back line.

Looking ahead, his continued development under Guardiola could see him emerge as one of the most complete goalkeepers in world football – blending traditional shot-stopping instincts with the tactical intelligence required at the Etihad Stadium.

And with Manchester City still competing on multiple fronts albeit early on in the ongoing season, his ability to deliver in the biggest matches could prove decisive in their pursuit of silverware this season.