Gianluigi Donnarumma makes monumental error seconds after Man City took lead vs Arsenal

Callum Vurley

By Callum Vurley, 


Published: 19/04/2026

- 16:59

Updated: 19/04/2026

- 17:30

The huge Italian took too long on the ball as Kai Havertz stole in

Gianluigi Donnarumma quickly became the least popular person at the Etihad after a shocking mistake in Manchester City's crunch clash against Arsenal.

Rayan Cherki had just put City ahead after a mesmerising solo goal, weaving in and out of defenders before placing the ball past David Raya.


It sent the Etihad into a frenzy, with City desperate for a win to further pressure Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.

However, the home fans were quickly muted after a glaring error from Donnarumma.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was at fault for Arsenal's equaliser

Gianluigi Donnarumma was at fault for Arsenal's equaliser

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GETTY

After Matheus Nunes threw the ball back to the former Paris Saint-Germain star, he took too long to clear his lines.

And rushing onto a slightly-loose touch was the ever-keen Havertz, who anticipated Donnarumma's eventual clearance onto his foot perfectly.

The result saw the ball ricochet sharply into the roof of the net as Donnarumma looked distraught.

Meanwhile, the Arsenal players celebrated wildly as Declan Rice gathered them in a team huddle to keep their eyes on the prize.

A win for Arsenal at the Etihad might just end any talk of City overtaking them, while a victory for Pep Guardiola's men would see them cut the Gunners' lead to three points at the top.

With a game in hand, it would see the title race go right down to the wire - perhaps being solved on goal difference.

Incredibly, the equaliser for Havertz's first Premier League goal since February 2025, having suffered an injury-hit campaign to date this season.

Perhaps ominously, though, that goal also came against City - a match that ended 5-1 to the Citizens.