Guardiola Faces Goalkeeper Dilemma After Tottenham Beat Man City 2-0
Tottenham secured a 2-0 win at the Etihad, exposing Manchester City’s defensive frailties and leaving Pep Guardiola with a tough choice between James Trafford, Ederson or a new signing.
“It's happened again, it's happened again, Manchester City, it's happened again.” The refrain rang around the Etihad Stadium as Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester City 2-0, marking another home defeat for Pep Guardiola's side.
Spurs had inflicted a 4-0 defeat at this venue last November and capitalised again, overturning City with two well-taken goals. A high defensive line allowed the first strike, while goalkeeper James Trafford committed a costly error for the second in his Etihad debut.
Ederson, City's established No.1 for eight years, watched from the bench after missing last weekend's match through illness amid transfer links to Galatasaray. Guardiola now faces a crucial decision over his long-term goalkeeper choice.
James Trafford Under Scrutiny
The 22-year-old arrived from Burnley this summer after earning the PFA Championship Player of the Year award with 29 clean sheets. He impressed in his Premier League debut at Wolves but struggled at home, notably slipping when trying to collect a long ball and passing loose to Ruben Dias, which led to Joao Palhinha's second goal.
City fielded their youngest Premier League XI under Guardiola, averaging 24 years and 326 days, and the inexperience showed against a relentless Spurs side. Former striker Chris Sutton questioned whether Trafford is ready to hold down the No.1 spot, suggesting Ederson remains the safer option.
Goalkeeper Conundrum for Guardiola
Paris St-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma has been linked with a move to Manchester, but any signing would likely depend on a departure. Guardiola's comments oscillated between backing Ederson and rewarding form in training, leaving the door open for multiple scenarios.
Guardiola must choose between sticking with the emerging James Trafford, reinstating Ederson or pursuing a marquee keeper after a disjointed defensive display cost City at home.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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