Pep Guardiola has confirmed that James Trafford will be in goal for Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal. This decision means that Gianluigi Donnarumma, City's usual number one, will start the match on the bench.
The announcement came after Manchester City secured their place in the final with a 3-1 victory over Newcastle United in the second leg of their semi-final, giving them a 5-1 win on aggregate. Trafford started the match against Newcastle, further indicating Guardiola's trust in the young English goalkeeper. Trafford demonstrated his abilities early in the game against Newcastle, denying both Joe Willock and Anthony Gordon.
Trafford's rise at Manchester City has been notable. After returning to the club from Burnley in a £27 million move, there was an expectation that he would battle with Ederson for the starting spot, eventually becoming the first-choice keeper. However, Ederson's subsequent move to Fenerbahce and the arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG changed the landscape. Despite the increased competition, Trafford has continued to impress when given opportunities.
Guardiola has been vocal in his praise for Trafford, highlighting his sharpness, decisiveness, and athleticism. The manager seems to view Trafford as more than just a backup, suggesting that City are fortunate to have two world-class goalkeepers in their ranks.
Manchester City's road to the final has been paved with impressive performances, including a dominant display against Newcastle. Omar Marmoush played a key role in the semi-final, scoring twice in the second leg to seal the victory. The team's ability to transition from possession-based play to quick counter-attacks has added a new dimension to their game, making them a formidable opponent.
Looking ahead to the final, a clash with Arsenal awaits. This sets the stage for a tactical battle between Guardiola and Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager who previously served as Guardiola's assistant at City. The relationship between the two managers adds an intriguing layer to the final, especially considering past tensions and accusations. The final is scheduled for Sunday, March 22, and could have implications for the Premier League title race, as City are currently chasing Arsenal at the top of the table.
Starting Trafford in such a high-stakes game like the Carabao Cup final demonstrates Guardiola's faith in the young keeper's abilities and provides Trafford with a valuable opportunity to showcase his talent on a big stage.