With the idea of providing our readers with richer content, we had the idea of launching a section with an analysis of the notable actions in a match, whether for goals scored or conceded, or beautiful movements, almost paid duds and such. The goal is to determine the share of collective or individual success or error in each action. Here is the new number. This is a sequence of the 2-0 defeat against Arsenal (Arsenal/PSG video summary) at the Emirates Stadium during the 2nd day of the 2024-2025 Champions League. It’s the goal conceded in the 19th minute that is on the menu, with several errors including Gianluigi Donnarumma…But he is far from being alone.
The situation on the Trossard hook.
Legend: – Orange circle: the players we are talking about – Everything in black: the possible options – Everything in red: what was done after the image. Line = pass – Arrow = movement – White circle = ball
For the moment, the danger is not obvious. At least, not Kai Havertz in the axis. There is a possible pass, except that João Neves and Willian Pacho saw it. So they prepare to intercept.
There is the call from Bukayo Saka at the far post, while Nuno Mendes seems to be stopping. Be careful with this attitude, as offside is far from being playable given the position of the other players.
At the ball carrier level, there is a relatively logical little shift after the dribble. Warren Zaire-Emery and Vitinha could put pressure on him to prevent him from playing forward. Especially with Neves who can cover if there is ever a pass to get around them. But they strangely remain a little distant, as can be seen in the center moment below.
The situation at the moment of the center.
Legend: – Orange circle: the players we are talking about – Everything in black: the possible options – Everything in red: what was done after the image. Line = pass – Arrow = movement – White circle = ball
We see here quite easily that after a simple feint strike Trossard has too much room to play. Zaire-Emery could be closer, while cutting the back pass (with Neves potentially coming out on the player anyway). Vitinha should hinder more. He doesn’t have to worry, there are people behind him.
In the area, Nuno Mendes seems to want to play offside, while Pacho seems to be preparing to cut off a possible ground pass…At least, he is clearly not ready to defend towards his goal. Mendes could have followed Havertz, with the risk of putting Saka back into play.
In any case, there is poor coordination. Moreover, the two players could have been a little higher, aligned with Hakimi, in order to try to play offside.
Maybe Donnarumma could also anticipate the cross a little, but he can be wary of a lobbed shot and is also not very far from the cross zone.
The situation at the time of the head.
Donnarumma is far from impact, much too far. He slowed down a little before jumping, perhaps to correct his course which he judged to be bad.
Let’s agree that the center is excellent, with a very rapid descent and right in front of the 6 meters, a slightly vague area for the intervention. The goalkeeper must take a risk to go out, the defender may think that it is no longer up to him to intervene. Did Donnarumma also speak to Pacho? His delay is otherwise a little annoying.
In any case, we see that Donnarumma did not really leave the ground at the moment of exit, he lacks a real impulse while he was at the moment of the center at a completely reasonable intervention distance.
This is too many errors and it is not forgiving at this level. PSG must progress, be even more aggressive. And that the goalkeeper is more comfortable in the air.
