Manchester City secured a 3-2 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday, but the victory was marred by criticism of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s performance. The match, played in Germany, saw City win on the road after conceding twice before Erling Haaland’s late goal sealed the result.
Sky Sports analyst Lewis Jones said Donnarumma’s “costly error” and several uncertain moments left him “doing little to convince that he is the reliable last line of defence.” Jones blamed the Italian for Leipzig’s first equaliser, citing a mishandled cross from the right that allowed Ridle Baku to beat him at the near post.
City’s lead came from a Castello Lukeba own goal in the first half, but Leipzig equalised when Enzo Fernandez headed in a cross from Iliman Ndiaye. A third goal for the visitors followed three minutes later from a low finish by Antonio Nusa. Haaland finally broke the deadlock 12 minutes from time, tapping in a low cross from Elliot Anderson. The strike was his 13th in nine appearances against Leipzig.
Despite the win, City’s defence remained vulnerable. Leipzig threatened again in the closing stages, with David Raum striking the crossbar and Rayan Cherki hitting the woodwork. Haaland admitted the team “needed to improve their approach after taking the lead” and should have pushed for more goals.
Manager Enzo Maresca acknowledged moments of struggle but welcomed the result, saying “Tough game in some moments. We controlled quite well but some moments we struggled. Champions League, Germany away, it’s tough so happy with the three points.” The victory lifted City to seventh in the group table and ended their search for a response after a Premier League defeat to Brighton on Saturday.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
