‘Unbelievable’ – Paul Merson shocked by James Trafford after what he did for Man City vs Salford City
James Trafford left Paul Merson stunned after he pulled off a great save to deny Ben Woodburn an equaliser during Man City’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Salford City
The Sky Sports pundit heaped praise on to Trafford as he leapt to his right to stop Woodburn’s shot reaching the top-left corner of his goal in the 42nd minute.
Man City had already taken the lead through Alfie Dorrington’s sixth-minute own-goal, while Omar Marmoush soon saw a fine strike wrongly ruled out for offside.
Trafford then kept City ahead just before the break, as Salford pushed to score and made life hard for their Premier League hosts.
Pep Guardiola’s side continued to dominate possession and most of the best chances, though, and Marc Guehi sealed their passage into the fifth round of the FA Cup with a late goal, as it ended 2-0.
James Trafford wowed Paul Merson with stunning save vs Salford
Trafford was handed his 11th appearance of the campaign for City since a summer move from Burnley, with Guardiola trusting him to play all seven of their cup games so far this term.
The 23-year-old was understandably rarely called into action as the League Two Ammies visited the Etihad on Saturday, with two saves, one throw and just 20 touches all afternoon.
He impressively denied former Liverpool man Woodburn just before the break on one of the rare occasions that he was forced to make a save, however, with Merson expressing his delight at the stop.
Speaking live on Sky Sports‘ Soccer Saturday, he said: “It (the ball) comes to Woodburn, he’s running away, it’s an awkward one and he side-foots it (on the) volley, half-volley into the top corner, and Trafford makes an unbelievable save.
“Brilliant save by Trafford, and brilliant effort by Woodburn.”
What comes next for Trafford beyond this season?
Trafford started City’s first three Premier League games of the campaign after his Burnley switch, but some shaky performances saw Gianluigi Donnarumma signed to be their number one.
The Italy international has been one of the world’s best in his position over the last few years, and so has played the majority of games, with 30 appearances so far this term.
Trafford was linked with an exit ahead of January, but Guardiola made it clear that he would be staying for the remainder of the campaign.
He has continued to be linked with a move away, with Football Insider revealing that Trafford could demand to leave if he is not given ample game time between now and the end of the campaign.
More performances like Saturday’s could help his case, but it certainly seems unlikely that he ousts Donnarumma long-term, so he could well be on his way out of the Etihad ahead of next season.