Pep Guardiola credits Gianluigi Donnarumma’s “mum and dad” for Liverpool save | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was keen to issue further significant praise on Gianluigi Donnarumma for the save made at Anfield on Sunday afternoon.

City’s narrow victory on Merseyside represented another important step in a season defined by fine margins, composure under pressure, and decisive moments at both ends of the pitch as Guardiola and his players continue to chase down Arsenal at the division’s summit.

With Liverpool pushing relentlessly in the closing stages of Sunday’s contest, Pep Guardiola’s side were forced into a defensive stand that ultimately underlined the collective nature of their latest success.

Goalkeeping, in particular, has been a recurring theme around the Etihad Stadium in recent months as the club continue to move on from life without Ederson, and marvel at the traditional shot-stopping abilities in particular of Gianluigi Donnarumma and James Trafford.

The latter’s heroics have been referenced by Guardiola in recent weeks, as some question just how long the England international will be willing to accept a role as Manchester City’s back-up behind the Italian.

Speaking ahead of City’s return to action against Fulham this week, Pep Guardiola was asked for a reflection on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s 99th minute save to deny Alexis Mac Allister an equaliser against his side at Anfield.

“Yeah like James Trafford had done against Newcastle, with 1-0 up making an incredible save in Newcastle to reach the Final of the Carabao Cup. That means a team: Everyone makes their own contributions and help,” said Guardiola.

He continued, when asked for his initial feeling when the shot came towards Manchester City’s goal, “I saw that it was a deflection and I said, ‘Goal’. My first reaction was goal.

“And after, sometimes when you are lucky, the mum and dad make you save big and so huge, you can make that save. I think he can make that save because he’s so big, or you have incredible pace in your energy in jumping.”

Manchester City will be well aware that they simply must continue winning matches to prevent Arsenal from extending their current six-point gap at the top of the division.

With the club also retaining hopes of progression in other competitions, the ability to challenge across multiple fronts may also have an effect on the Premier League title race and both Arsenal and Manchester City’s ability to win week-by-week.