James Trafford deserves credit for his performance against Newcastle United | OneFootball

The 2025/26 season has been a learning experience for James Trafford. He returned to Manchester City to seemingly compete with Ederson as City’s number-one goalkeeper for this season. That all changed when Ederson moved to Fenerbahçe and Gianluigi Donnarumma arrived at City from PSG on the closing day of last summer’s transfer window. From that point onward, James Trafford has been Manchester City’s number-two keeper behind Donnarumma.

Trafford has become his team’s cup goalkeeper and has had to stay ready for when his opportunity to play has arisen. He has started City’s past two matches against Exeter City in the FA Cup and the first leg of City’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Newcastle. Trafford was superb in goal against Eddie Howe’s side and he deserves a ton of credit for his performance at St. James’ Park in his team’s vital 2-nil win. Trafford made a crucial contribution as his team took control of their Carabao Cup semi-final tie in the first leg.

James Trafford made one crucial save and was great with his feet against Newcastle.

The pressure was on Pep Guardiola’s side as they entered Tuesday night’s match. Newcastle are a formidable opponent at home. Pep Guardiola’s side knew what they were up against in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final tie. They came through that test and picked up a precious 2-nil win. James Trafford played a vital role for his team in goal and showed just how good he is as a goalkeeper.

Trafford wasn’t busy in goal in terms of making a host of saves. Newcastle had their chances, but Pep Guardiola’s side did well to control the threat that Eddie Howe’s side posed. But Trafford was called into action at a critical juncture of Tuesday night’s match and was more than ready to stand up in a crucial moment.

A quality ball from Anthony Gordon on the left picked out Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa at the back post. Wissa got a looping header on target, and the ball seemed destined to hit the back of the net. That was until Trafford made a stunning save to keep the score at nil-all. This occurred in the 51st minute, and although Bruno Guimaraes hit the post on the follow-up from Trafford’s save, the score remained at nil-all. Two minutes later, Antoine Semenyo gave City the lead, and Pep Guardiola’s side never looked back from that moment. James Trafford had stood up in a key moment, and his save was a vital element in his team’s huge win.

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Another part of James Trafford’s game that was impressive against Newcastle was his play with his feet. His teammates sought him out, and Trafford did help with City’s build-up play. In the first half, Trafford played several long balls towards Antoine Semenyo and Erling Haaland, but they were ineffective. In the second half, Trafford was more effective playing the ball short when necessary. All told, Trafford played well, and he deserves credit for his display in goal in a big game.

Summary.

It was great to see James Trafford put in a quality performance in goal in the first leg of City’s Carabao Cup semi-final tie against Newcastle. He has spent this season on the periphery of proceedings. When the opportunity to play in a big game arose, Trafford stood tall, and his contribution was key to Manchester City’s win. Trafford was superb at St. James’ Park, and he deserves his flowers for helping his team overcome a tough opponent in a hostile environment..