James Trafford has done all he can to stake his claim to be Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper
James Trafford has done all he can to stake his claim to be Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper James Trafford has started Manchester City’s past two matches in goal. With City beating Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, then following that up with a 4-0 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final tie at the Etihad on Saturday, Trafford had the opportunity to start both matches. The England international kept two clean sheets, and his overall performances in both matches were superb.
In terms of staking his own claim to be Manchester City’s first-choice goalkeeper, Trafford has done all he can in the past two matches. James Trafford followed his brilliant Carabao Cup performance with another strong display against Liverpool. James Trafford’s triple save early in Manchester City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal was a key moment in that match at Wembley.
Trafford’s heroics denied Arsenal the opportunity to take an early lead and build momentum. Aside from that moment, Trafford didn’t have a whole lot to do at Wembley. However, he was assured in possession, and that is all James Trafford had to do at Wembley.
Against Liverpool on Saturday, James Trafford was a lot busier than he was against Arsenal. Trafford made a string of crucial saves throughout the match, and he commanded his area superbly. In possession, once again, Trafford was assured, and his ability with his feet helped Manchester City play through Liverpool’s attempted press.
James Trafford’s big moment came in the 63rd minute at the Etihad. Matheus Nunes brought down Hugo Ekitike, and Liverpool were awarded a penalty. Up stepped Mo Salah to take the spot kick.