Fans criticized goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for his poor performance during Manchester City’s 3-0 loss to Arsenal in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16.
Riccardo Calafiori set a record for the fastest goal in the history of the Shield, wrong-footing Donnarumma and scoring 23 seconds into the match. In the 28th minute, Christos Tzolis guided Martin Odegaard’s lengthy cross towards Kai Havertz. Although Havertz’s header was directly at Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper failed to secure it, allowing the ball into his net.
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Just after halftime, in the 48th minute, Tzolis delivered a low cross that reached Odegaard. Odegaard’s touch bypassed Josko Gvardiol’s extended leg, putting him one-on-one with Donnarumma. The towering keeper committed early, diving prematurely, while the Arsenal captain calmly took another touch and scored into the open goal.
Post-match, fans were vocal about their disappointment with Donnarumma’s performance. One fan commented:
“Donnarumma is just making a joke of himself today.”
Another fan suggested that new signing Geronimo Rulli should replace Donnarumma, stating:
“Donnarumma has been f***ing abysmal… Rulli has to start if Gianluigi continues to put in shit performances.”
Some fans lamented the sale of English goalkeeper James Trafford to Leeds United earlier in the month, expressing regret:
“Sat down by (Odegaard) indeed. This is who we sold Trafford for.”
Another fan agreed, adding:
“Can we get our Trafford back, this big guy will kill me.”
A further agreement came from another fan, who wrote:
“Selling Trafford and keeping Donnarumma is the worst footballing decision I’ve ever seen a club make ever.”
A supporter added:
“There’s a reason why luis f***ing enrique (PSG manager) ditch(ed) him and but yeah we’re too generous and taking this PSG reject and betrayed one of our own poor my club.”
With their Premier League opener against Bournemouth approaching on Sunday, August 23, Manchester City fans are hopeful that Donnarumma will quickly regain his form.
“Few other ones we want to take” – Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard makes claim after 3-0 win vs Manchester City in FA Community Shield
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has expressed that the team aims to capture every trophy in the 2026-27 season, following their commanding 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Sunday, August 16.
The Norwegian midfielder, who secured Arsenal’s third goal in the 48th minute, earned the title of Player of the Match for his exceptional performance. After the match, he praised his team and shared their aspirations for the upcoming season.
The 2025-26 Premier League-winning captain said (via @footballontnt on X):
“We showed our level today. We showed that we’re ready, we’re serious and we want to do it (win the EPL) again. We’re well prepared and we’re looking forward to the next one now. When you get the taste of how nice it is, you want to do it again and there’s also a few other ones (trophies) that we want to take.”
Next up, Arsenal will compete against newly-promoted Coventry City in their first match of the 2026-27 Premier League season on Friday, August 21.
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj
