James Trafford endured a difficult afternoon as Manchester City was beaten 2-0 by Tottenham on Saturday, but Pep Guardiola refused to select his new goalkeeper
Pep Guardiola refuses to point his fingers of responsibility at James Trafford after a nightmare mistake in the young keeper. Trafford, 22, returned to Manchester City from Burnley on a £27 million contract this summer after two years at Turf Moor, but saw his horror pass scored the Blues as Tottenham claimed his second consecutive victory in the new season.
The former England Under 21 International nodded again before Ederson, linking to the Brazilian’s move to Galatasaray. A Trafford error allowed Tottenham midfielder Joao Parkigna to add a second goal to the halftime stroke after an opener for Brennan Johnson 10 minutes ago.
However, Guardiola said: “James made a good first game last week, and I decided to continue with him. When you make a decision in the first part of the season, people think this is the lineup. But today I decided.
“We missed out on the simple things today, but the effort and running were extraordinary and there was no doubt. We had a good preseason. When we won with Wolves last week, everyone said it was all fine.
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“But last week we said there’s still work to do, and now, after this defeat, it’s the same. We need to improve, step by step until we click on it and make a good connection.
Guardiola chose to leave Ilkay Gandogan and Manuel Akanji from the team. Both players are also targeted by Galatasarai. However, Guardiola said: “Last week we had to rule out Rodri and Phil Foden.
“I have to spin. In the next game, the other games are left behind. Nothing more.”
City defender Reuben Diaz said:
“The second goal is a shame. That can’t happen. It’s frustrating because I want to win in front of the fans in the first home game.”
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