Man City’s Carabao Cup triumph reminded them of a transfer challenge in the summer.
Manchester City had goalkeeper James Trafford to thank as they went level at the break in the Carabao Cup final before beating Arsenal 2-0.
Pep Guardiola expressed his confidence in James Trafford a month ago. The Manchester City goalkeeper was confirmed as a starter for the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal shortly after their semi-final victory over Newcastle. With a keeper of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s quality in the Premier League at the weekend, it would have been simple 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 had made the right call as he pulled off a sensational triple save to deny not only Kai Havertz but also Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal, on the other hand, were not so sure. When asked who would start in goal, Mikel Arteta was coy and did not want to confirm the inclusion of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The former Chelsea player received the opportunity and allowed the game to slip away, as Nico O’Reilly etched his name into the city’s folklore. Coming into the team after weeks on the sidelines is not easy and Capa’s mistake further highlighted just how good Trafford are.
His performance must have pleased England-looking head coach Thomas Tuchel as much as it did O’Reilly. Trafford faces a challenge in becoming one of England’s preferred goalkeepers for this summer’s World Cup, especially given his irregular playing time.
And this is where the problem is brewing for City ahead of the summer transfer window. Guardiola rightly pointed out before the match that throughout his time at the Etihad Stadium he has always played his second-choice keeper in domestic cups.
Few have been as invincible as Trafford. Stefan Ortega had some outstanding moments at City but was involved in a terrible mix-up in the 2024 FA Cup final as City lost to Manchester United.
Trafford exuded confidence. City were never in danger of a Capa-like error on Sunday.
James Trafford celebrates during Manchester City’s Carabao Cup Final win.
At the end of this season, City are likely to lose their second-choice shot-stopper. He will try to join a club that can offer him more regular football.
Newcastle will no doubt be keen. But there will be many more.
Should Trafford move on, as expected, City will need to sign someone who knows he will be second choice to Donnarumma but can perform at a higher level if required. Signing someone to play backup to the Italian who knows he could easily become No. 1 elsewhere will be no simple task.
Trafford has been brilliant when he has played at City and deserves to play regularly. Finding a replacement will be a challenge.
