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When Manchester City brought in Gianluigi Donnarumma, much of the conversation revolved around his ball-playing skills—or perceived lack of them—especially when compared to Ederson, the man he replaced. However, nearly three months into his tenure at City, the Italian goalkeeper is finding a different kind of difficulty: coping with the Premier League’s uncompromising physical approach inside the penalty area.

City’s defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday showcased both the best and worst of Donnarumma. He came out on top in several battles with Newcastle striker Nick Woltemade, becoming the first keeper in the league to deny the tall German forward, who had previously scored with all six of his shots on target.

Donnarumma made three crucial saves in the first half to keep the game scoreless. Had Phil Foden and Erling Haaland converted their chances, the Italian might have been hailed as the match’s standout performer. But goalkeepers are often remembered for their mistakes, and Donnarumma was caught out at a crucial moment when Newcastle won a corner in the second half.

The Italian nearly conceded directly from Sandro Tonali’s curling corner—an ‘Olimpico’—but Josko Gvardiol’s header cleared the danger. Donnarumma stayed down for a few seconds before getting back up, only to again fail under aerial pressure as Bruno Guimaraes’ header struck the crossbar and Harvey Barnes tapped in the rebound.

Fuming at what he perceived as a foul from Barnes, Donnarumma angrily protested to referee Sam Barrott. Yet the contact was minimal—no worse than what Premier League goalkeepers regularly face. His dissent earned him a yellow card, his third in nine league matches, putting him just two bookings away from suspension.

Donnarumma has a history of disciplinary issues. Before moving to England, he had received 29 yellow cards and two reds for club and country since debuting for AC Milan in 2017. At his current rate, he risks a ban roughly every 15 matches if he doesn’t curb his temper.

He wasn’t the only City member frustrated at St James’ Park. Pep Guardiola was animated on the touchline, arguing with Barrott and even confronting a cameraman, while Ruben Dias voiced his displeasure about vague refereeing standards.

“Where’s the logic in their player pushing our keeper out of the goal? What are we allowing, and for how long?” Dias asked post-match. “In the second goal, Gigi is being forced out of position, and nothing is given.”

Guardiola, however, took a more pragmatic tone: “He believes when he goes there and touches the ball, he wasn’t stable. What can I say? Gigio will learn.”

And learn he must. The Premier League won’t soften its physical style for one unsettled newcomer. Physicality is a defining characteristic of English football, and Donnarumma is far from the first player to be caught off guard by it.

Manchester United’s new goalkeeper, Senne Lammens, spoke about similar experiences last month: “I’ve never seen players get away with the things they do to goalkeepers. Sometimes it’s like a war inside the six-yard box. They grab, pull, and hold you back, and most of the time referees let play go on. That’s just how the Premier League is—you need to adapt and prepare for it, even though it’s tough on goalkeepers.”

United manager Ruben Amorim has also noted how set pieces take on far greater importance in England than in Portugal. “It’s totally different here—the physical contact, especially involving goalkeepers, is much more intense,” he observed.

Donnarumma must quickly adjust to this reality. The Premier League this season has become increasingly influenced by set pieces and long balls. If he doesn’t adapt, Guardiola might need to consider recalling James Trafford, who has been accustomed to this physical style throughout his career and is better equipped to handle aerial challenges.

Saturday’s game marked the second time in a month Donnarumma was exposed at a corner and blamed the referee instead of taking responsibility. During City’s clash with Bournemouth, he felt his arm was held by David Brooks before a corner was delivered, but his failed punch allowed Tyler Adams to score from the rebound. Donnarumma berated referee Anthony Taylor both after the goal and at halftime, but few sympathised given his poor execution.

That incident likely alerted Newcastle’s analysts to his vulnerability in dealing with aerial crosses, and other teams will surely follow suit.

Adding to his difficult afternoon, Donnarumma almost gifted Newcastle a goal inside the first minute by playing a risky short pass to Foden near the edge of his box. Joelinton intercepted, and Barnes fired an effort on goal that Donnarumma managed to save comfortably—but it was another reminder of the concerns over his distribution.

The Italian’s signing intrigued many because Guardiola, known for pioneering the idea of goalkeepers as playmakers, seemed to be moving back toward valuing traditional shot-stopping. Donnarumma, with his extensive experience at the highest level since the age of 16, was viewed by Guardiola and goalkeeping coach Xabier Mancisidor as a world-class option, capable of producing match-defining saves such as his one-on-one stop against Bryan Mbeumo in the Manchester derby.

However, what City’s staff may have underestimated is the frequency and intensity of set pieces, long throws, and aerial duels in the Premier League—and Donnarumma’s struggle to handle them effectively.

He started well at City, focusing on his strengths. In his debut against Manchester United, he went long with most goal-kicks and stood tall in key moments, including a brilliant save to deny Mbeumo’s volley. He repeated those heroics against Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Brentford, where he thwarted Igor Thiago in a one-on-one situation.

“When they told me he’s 26, I thought he’s been playing for centuries,” Guardiola joked after the Brentford match. “His composure, his presence—for goalkeepers at big clubs, you might only face one key moment in a game, and you have to deliver.”

That commanding presence helped City secure narrow wins, combining with Haaland’s precision finishing. But Newcastle and Bournemouth have both exposed his Achilles heel. Donnarumma might find some relief in the upcoming Champions League fixture against Bayer Leverkusen, but Premier League opponents have now identified how to unsettle him. Instead of venting his frustration at officials, Donnarumma must focus on rising to the challenge.