Manchester City had goalkeeper James Trafford to thank as they went in level at the break in the Carabao Cup final before going on to beat Arsenal 2-0.
James Trafford embraces Bernardo Silva after Manchester City beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final
James Trafford embraces Bernardo Silva after Manchester City beat Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Pep Guardiola put his faith in James Trafford over a month ago. Manchester City's goalkeeper was confirmed as the starter for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal immediately following the semi-final victory against Newcastle. With a 'keeper of Gianluigi Donnarumma's quality starting week in, week out in the Premier League, it would have been easy for Guardiola to stick with his No.1.
And yet, Trafford, whose only previous Wembley final came in the EFL play-offs, started for the Blues against Arsenal. Within moments of the first whistle, Trafford proved Guardiola made the right call as he made a sensational triple save to deny not only Kai Havertz but Bukayo Saka, too.
Arsenal, on the other hand, were not so certain. When asked who would be starting in goal, Mikel Arteta was coy and did not want to confirm Kepa Arrizabalaga's involvement.
The former Chelsea man got the nod and he let the game slip through his hands as Nico O'Reilly wrote his name into City folklore. Coming into the side after weeks on the sidelines isn't easy and Kepa's error further highlighted just how good Trafford is.
His performance will have pleased the onlooking England head coach Thomas Tuchel just as much as O'Reilly's did. Trafford has a fight on his hands to be one of England's goalkeepers at this summer's World Cup when not playing regularly.
And this is where the problem for City is brewing ahead of the summer transfer window. Guardiola rightly pointed out pre-match that throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium he has always played his second-choice 'keeper in the domestic cups.
Few have been as unflappable as Trafford. Stefan Ortega had some great moments at City, but in the 2024 FA Cup final he was involved in a dreadful mix-up as City went on to lose to Manchester United.
Trafford exudes confidence. City were never at risk of a Kepa-like mistake on Sunday.
James Trafford celebrates during Manchester City' Carabao Cup final win
James Trafford celebrates during Manchester City' Carabao Cup final win
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At the end of this season, City are more than likely going to lose their second-choice shot stopper. He will be looking to join a club who can offer him more regular football.
Newcastle will undoubtedly be keen. But there will be plenty of other suitors.
Should Trafford move on, as expected, City will need to sign someone who knows they will be second choice to Donnarumma but can perform at the top level when needed. Signing someone to play back-up to the Italian who knows they could easily be a No.1 elsewhere will not be an easy task.
Trafford has been superb when he's played at City, and he deserves to be playing regularly. Finding someone to replace him will be a challenge.
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