While Donnarumma’s shot-stopping prowess remains unquestioned, his hesitancy on crosses and corners could prove costly against an Arsenal side that excels in precisely those areas.
Shot-Stopping Heroics
Donnarumma, 26, has built a reputation for spectacular saves under pressure. His quick reflexes and agility were vital when Italy won Euro 2021, and he repeated similar heroics when PSG ousted Liverpool on penalties in the last 16 this season. Against Villa, his saves were instrumental in securing a tense 5-4 aggregate win.
However, the Italian’s brilliance on the line contrasts sharply with his uncertain handling of aerial threats.
A Growing Concern: Set Pieces
Despite standing at 1.96 meters and possessing a solid frame, Donnarumma struggles to impose himself when dealing with crosses. His reluctance to come off his line creates confusion in PSG’s defense—a vulnerability Arsenal’s dead-ball experts will look to exploit.
Arsenal, under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover and manager Mikel Arteta, are the most dangerous team from set pieces among Europe's top five leagues. Their mastery in these situations could magnify PSG’s Achilles’ heel.
Recent examples of Donnarumma’s struggles include:
- October’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, where he was beaten by a Kai Havertz header from a dipping cross.
- Last season’s loss to Barcelona, when Andreas Christensen headed home a corner as Donnarumma stayed rooted to his line.
- Borussia Dortmund’s semifinal return leg, where Mats Hummels scored from a Julian Brandt corner, again highlighting a lack of command and poor communication with defenders.
Those errors paint a worrying picture ahead of a high-pressure night at the Emirates Stadium.
Passing Problems
Donnarumma’s issues aren't limited to set pieces. His distribution from the back has been erratic at times. In a Champions League playoff match against Brest, he mishit a simple pass from captain Marquinhos, nearly gifting a goal to Ludovic Ajorque.
Such mistakes, combined with vulnerability in the air, underline why Donnarumma received a harsh 3/10 rating from L'Équipe after PSG’s 3-1 Ligue 1 loss to Nice on Friday—where two of the goals came from crosses.
A Battle on the Flanks
In addition to set-piece threats, the wings could be a critical battleground.
Arsenal wingers Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka dazzled against Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, both scoring in a 2-1 second-leg win that sealed a 5-1 aggregate triumph. Their pace and directness will pose a severe test for PSG fullbacks Achraf Hakimi and Nuno Mendes.
Though Hakimi and Mendes were crucial in PSG’s attack against Villa—both scoring—they may be forced into a more cautious role to counter Arsenal’s wide threats. Likewise, Martinelli and Saka will need to balance offense with defensive discipline.
Another X-factor for Arsenal is Declan Rice, whose improving free-kick ability adds another dimension to an already potent set-piece arsenal.
While Gianluigi Donnarumma can be a match-winner with his reflexes, his aerial vulnerabilities and occasional lapses with the ball at his feet could define PSG’s fate against Arsenal—a team perfectly poised to capitalize on his weaknesses.