Donnarumma's near-post error at Leipzig reignites Manchester City goalkeeper debate

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s position as Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper is under renewed scrutiny after the Italian was beaten at his near post during City’s 3-2 Champions League victory over RB Leipzig on Wednesday night.

Baku’s shot from a tight angle crept in at Donnarumma’s near post to level the scores at 1-1, a mistake made more glaring by the fact the 27-year-old had produced a remarkable save to deny Christoph Baumgartner’s long-range effort moments earlier. Donnarumma also nearly fumbled in a shot during the first half, leaving his overall performance in Germany looking fragile.

Manager Enzo Maresca was measured but direct in his assessment after the final whistle. “Not a concern but it’s a mistake. We recognise that it’s a mistake,” he said. “At the moment I’m not thinking about the goalkeeping situation. A few minutes before the goal he’s done a save that no keeper in the world makes. Gigio knows he was not good with the first goal. He’s going to do better.”

Maresca also pointed to a broader pattern of individual errors across competitions. “In the last five or six games we concede in all competitions — they are individual mistakes so it’s not about the system or a midfielder to the offensive line. It’s more individual mistakes that we need to do better to avoid.”

City do have cover between the posts in the form of Geronimo Rulli, who deputised in the Carabao Cup against Brighton last week and saved two penalties to help the club into the quarter-finals. However, the Argentine has not been used in league or European football this season.

The club’s backup situation looked different last season, when James Trafford was on the books before departing for Leeds United in the summer in search of regular first-team football. Trafford impressed in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup finals as City won both competitions.

With Donnarumma’s recent performances continuing to attract scrutiny, the question of whether City should bring in a more credible challenger for the starting spot is gaining traction among supporters and pundits alike — even if Maresca, for now, remains firmly in his keeper’s corner.