Manchester City's new shot-stopper James Trafford committed an all-time howler as the Blues collapsed during the first-half against Spurs at the Etihad
13:45, 23 Aug 2025Updated 13:50, 23 Aug 2025
James Trafford
James Trafford won't want to watch the match back(Image: TNT SPORTS)
Manchester City's new No.1 James Trafford committed an all-time howler during their Premier League clash on Saturday lunchtime.
There was no room for Ederson in the City starting side as they welcomed Tottenham Hotspur to the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola opting for summer signing Trafford. However, it quickly turned into an afternoon to forget.
City found themselves behind thanks to Brennan Johnson rounding off a Spurs counter attack. And all of last seasons defensive problems starting to reemerge for Guardiola.
Trying to play out from the back, Trafford looked to play the ball into Nico Gonzalez, but Pape Matar Sarr pipped in front of the midfielder with the ball falling to Richarlison, who saw his shot blocked.
However, Joao Paulinho would make no mistake and blasted the ball into the back of the City net to double Spurs' lead.
James Trafford
James Trafford gifted Spurs their second goal(Image: TNT SPORTS)
"James Trafford making Onana look like prime Schmeichel," one rival fan joked. While a second shared: "James Trafford makes Aaron Ramsdale look like a half decent goalkeeper..."
"Trafford stinker. Should have been sent off earlier," a third pointed out. As a fourth posted: "This first-half performance from James Trafford will make City expedite the signing of Gigi Donnarumma!"
And another added: "Told anyone who wanted to talk about James Trafford. He’s rubbish. Always has been, weak and way too confident for his level of ability!"
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Trafford was lucky to be on the pitch for the second goal. The City shot-stopper had come crashing off his line to clear the ball when he clattered into Mohammed Kudus.
He had appeared to clear the ball, but replays showed Trafford had hit Kudos with his knee before the ball hit his arm outside of the penalty area.
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Speaking on Sky Sports, Pete Gill said: "Trafford may have had a lucky escape. That could have been handball or it could have been a foul. Instead, the ref went for option three: give nothing and play on."