Joe Hart reacts to ‘stunning’ James Trafford announcement at Man City
James Trafford’s latest news has caught the attention of former Man City shot-stopper Joe Hart on social media.
Trafford was lucky not to be sent off against Tottenham, according to ex-PGMOL boss Keith Hackett, and the 22-year-old goalkeeper was helpless as Man City fell to defeat against Brighton.
Concerns have now been raised over the new signing’s future at the Etihad Stadium after Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at Man City towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Pep Guardiola faces a major headache as the Citizens prepare to face their direct rivals in the Manchester derby on Sunday, 14 September, deciding whether the youngster deserves another chance.
Clearly, though, it has not all been doom and gloom.
James Trafford wins monthly award at Man City
Taking to Instagram (12 September), the Premier League account wrote: “James Trafford‘s stunning stop earns him Save of the Month for August,” with the announcement earning a like from Hart.
This comes after he cleverly denied Brighton‘s Jan Paul van Hecke from very close range towards the end of proceedings at the Amex Stadium.
The former City shot-stopper won two Save of the Month awards while playing for West Ham and Burnley, and he has also won four Golden Gloves during his time at the Etihad.
While Trafford has experienced a shaky start to life back in Manchester, especially now with Donnarumma coming in, he has clearly had some positive moments to reflect on as well.
What Pep Guardiola said about Man City’s goalkeeper situation
The manager has been hugely complimentary of Donnarumma ahead of the Manchester derby, but it is no clearer as to which goalkeeper he will choose to face the Red Devils.
Speaking to the media (12 September), Guardiola said: “Donnarumma to start versus Man United? We will see. We didn’t take Gigio to do what Ederson has done. Gigio has other qualities; it will be good.”
He has some tough decisions to make ahead of the Manchester derby, and choosing his goalkeeper will be one of them.
Ruben Amorim has chosen Altay Bayindir to deputise between the sticks, with Senne Lammens only just arriving, which is a huge call after allowing Andre Onana to leave on loan this summer.
Both teams are in desperate need of a victory at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, but should Guardiola’s side lose in front of a packed-out Etihad Stadium, he is likely to feel more pressure from a loss.