Newcastle fans all say the same as James Trafford speaks out after Man City win vs Salford City
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Newcastle Fans All Say the Same as James Trafford Speaks Out After Man City Win vs Salford City
Manchester City secured a 2-0 victory over League Two side Salford City in the FA Cup fourth round at the Etihad Stadium, advancing to the fifth round despite a lackluster performance.[1][3][5]
The scoring began early with an own goal by Salford's Alfie Dorrington in the sixth minute, followed by Marc Guehi's first goal for the club late in the match, sealing progression.[1][5] Pep Guardiola was far from impressed, describing the win as "boring" and criticizing his team's flat, slow play: "The only good news is we go through." City dominated with 19 shots (2.4 xG) but managed only four on target, contrasting their 10-1 thrashing of Exeter in the previous round.[1]
Salford posed threats, creating 0.4 xG from six shots, with Ben Woodburn and Kelly N'Mai forcing excellent saves from goalkeeper James Trafford.[1][2] The 23-year-old academy graduate, now a backup since Gianluigi Donnarumma's arrival, shone brightly. "I knew I wasn't going to have too much to do but when I was called upon, I had to do well," Trafford said post-match, emphasizing his determination to seize limited opportunities.[1]
Man City fans were unanimous in praise, hailing Trafford as the standout performer. Supporters called his display "special," "wonderful," and credited him with preventing embarrassment, with one tweeting: "James Trafford with another clean sheet and wonderful performance. He saves us a lot in these games." Many noted his key saves, like tipping Woodburn's effort over the bar.[2] Fans have accepted his likely summer departure but urged keeping him for the upcoming Premier League clash against Newcastle United, though Guardiola's title priorities make it unlikely.[2]
Newcastle supporters, ahead of their match with City, echoed similar sentiments online, repeatedly saying Trafford deserves a bigger stage—perhaps at St. James' Park—fueling transfer buzz after his heroics kept a rampant Salford at bay. This performance has reignited debates on his future amid City's depth.[2]
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