Pep Guardiola has defended James Trafford after the young goalkeeper’s costly error in Manchester City’s defeat to Tottenham. Trafford, 22, who rejoined City from Burnley in a £27million deal this summer following a two-year stint at Turf Moor, made a dreadful pass that led to Spurs scoring their second goal of the match.
The former England Under-21 star was chosen over Ederson once again, amid rumours linking the Brazilian with a move to Galatasaray. Tottenham’s Joao Palhinha capitalised on Trafford’s mistake to score just before half time, adding to Brennan Johnson’s earlier goal. However, Guardiola insisted: “James made a good first game last week and I decided to continue with him.
“When I make decisions at the start of the season, people think this is the line-up. But it was today that I decided and it is what it is.
“We missed the simple things today but the effort and running was extraordinary and I have no doubts. We had a good pre-season and when we won at Wolves last week everyone said everything was fine.
“But I said last week we still had work to do – and now it’s the same after this defeat. We have to improve. Step by step until we make it click and make the good connections.
“Now we have seven days rest and then Brighton before the international break.” Guardiola chose not to include Ilkay Gundogan and Manuel Akanji in his squad, both of whom are also reportedly being eyed by Galatasaray.
However, Guardiola stated: “I had to leave Rodri and Phil Foden out last week because we have so many players.
“I have to rotate. In the next games it will be others who are left out. It is not more serious than that.”
City defender Ruben Dias commented: “Spurs are a team who can be very dangerous, they started the game very well. We didn’t react the best way in sticking to our game.
“The second goal is unfortunate, it cannot happen. It’s frustrating because we want to win in front of our fans in our first home game.”
