One Manchester City player waited all season to have his big moment at Wembley | OneFootball

James Trafford has had to be patient this season, waiting for an opportunity to play in goal for Manchester City. Gianluigi Donnarumma is firmly established as Manchester City’s number-one goalkeeper. However, when the opportunity has arisen for James Trafford to start in the cup competitions for City, he has taken his chance. The young goalkeeper played a key role in Manchester City’s run to yesterday’s Carabao Cup final. Yesterday, James Trafford was superb in goal for Manchester City as he put in an assured performance as City won the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win over Arsenal at Wembley.

James Trafford wasn’t busy in goal yesterday for Manchester City but he made three crucial saves at a critical stage.

Arsenal started yesterday’s Carabao Cup final well. Mikel Arteta’s side settled better of the two teams and created the first clear-cut chance of yesterday’s match in the seventh minute. Martin Zubimendi played in Kai Havertz in a great position inside the Manchester City penalty area. James Trafford kept out Havertz’s shot, but the ball fell to Bukayo Saka. Saka fired in another shot on goal which Trafford saved. The England international had another shot which James Trafford saved again. The young goalkeeper had made a vital triple save to prevent Arsenal taking an early lead at Wembley.

Following his triple save in the seventh minute of yesterday’s Carabao Cup final, James Trafford rarely had a save to make of note. However, the young keeper was good in possession, he wasn’t at Ederson’s levels by any stretch, but when Manchester City needed James Trafford to help play out from the back he was more than serviceable and assured. That is all City needed from Trafford yesterday against Arsenal. That is exactly what he did. James Trafford had waited all season for his big moment in goal for Pep Guardiola’s side. It arrived yesterday and Trafford play an important role in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup triumph.

James Trafford was thrilled to win a trophy with City at Wembley.

Speaking with mancity.com after Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Arsenal, James Trafford shared that it was an amazing feeling for him to win his first trophy as a Manchester City player. He said: “This moment means a lot to me, to obviously win. Four or five years ago I was third or fourth choice when they beat Spurs. I always imagined I’d win it one day. This is an incredibly good feeling. All my family and friends are here. It’s a long way from North West Cumbria so we had to win!”

“All in about 25 people came, my younger coaches from my Academy days are here too. “It’s an amazing, amazing feeling. The people who are here have been with me throughout it all.”

James Trafford also spoke about his triple save. The young goalkeeper revealed he couldn’t remember the moment specifically, but he was happy to have played his role in Manchester City’s Carabao Cup triumph. Trafford explained: “Obviously big saves in the moment because it was early on. I can’t quite remember them because it was quite quick.”

“I’m just here to play my part. And then Nico scored two, brilliant from him.”

James Trafford finally got his opportunity to play in a cup final for Manchester City yesterday at Wembley Stadium against Arsenal. The young goalkeeper played an important role in Manchester City’s 2-0 win, which was fantastic to see. Trafford is made for the big occasion, and it will not be a surprise to see him thriving on the biggest stage for both club and country in the future.