James Trafford endured a nightmare home debut in Manchester City’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, as Pep Guardiola’s goalkeeping dilemma took an unexpected turn.
Trafford re-signed for City this summer and has started the campaign ahead of Ederson, who was unavailable in the opening day win over Wolves through illness. Ederson has been strongly linked with an Etihad Stadium exit, with Galatasaray interested in the Brazilian.
And with Stefan Ortega also touted to leave City, the Blues have shown an interest in Paris Saint-Germain stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer.
Trafford has the starting spot for now, but he was fortunate not to give away a penalty against Spurs and then gifted possession to Richarlison in his own box before Joao Palhinha scored in a huge error.
Man City fans fume at James Trafford as Ederson watches blunder from bench
After Trafford’s nightmare first half against Tottenham, the TV cameras panned to Ederson on the bench, who could barely hide his emotions. Looking stone-faced, Ederson was clearly furious at Trafford passing straight to Nico Gonzalez in his own area with Richarlison marking him.
On X, user @Blueline_Hub wrote: “Ederson was absolutely disgusted by the error from Trafford.” While Chris North posted: “Never understood the plaudits & price tags for James Trafford. Bang average & not as good as Ederson, making City’s defence very nervous.”
Another City fan, Max Elmer, said: “Ederson should always be in goal so long as he’s at City. We can’t survive Pep’s playstyle with a goalie who doesn’t know how to play with his feet.”
Ederson’s future remains uncertain, but fans were keen to stress that he remains perfect for Pep Guardiola’s demands of his goalkeeper. For example, @sammypedro said: “All you all clamouring for Ederson to leave, I hope y’all can see the difference.”
James Trafford error could impact Man City interest in Gianluigi Donnarumma
Fans were also making the point that any potential move for Gianluigi Donnarumma wouldn’t necessarily eradicate errors like the one against Spurs, given he is not particularly renowned for playing the ball at his feet.
Joe Butterfield wrote: “If you think that was stinky play from the back from Trafford then do I have some bad news for you about Donnarumma.” Sky Blu Ian added: “I didn’t see any instance where Donnarumma would have done anything better than Trafford.”
However, other fans felt that Trafford’s error could see City accelerate a move for Donnarumma, especially if Ederson leaves. @citehxen said: “I do feel for Trafford. Must be unreal pressure. He’ll learn and get better. But right now we need the real deal. Cough cough Donnarumma.”
And @talkincity said: “To the people that DON’T want us to sign Donnarumma, what do you want? Trafford starting? Ederson starting?” Daniel Cause said: “James Trafford looking like he’s gonna be benched for Donnarumma pretty soon.”