Man City's Trafford to start final but Arteta opts not to name Arsenal keeper

Close-up of James Trafford pointing with his right hand during a game.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

James Trafford will start for Manchester City despite his playing time being limited this season

Published39 minutes ago
34 Comments

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed James Trafford will be in goal for Sunday's Carabao Cup final at Wembley, but Mikel Arteta has refused to say who will be Arsenal's starting keeper.

Guardiola said he will continue his policy of playing Trafford in domestic cup matches, although he did not offer any assurances over the 23-year-old's long-term situation.

Trafford rejoined City from Burnley last summer in a £27m switch and had been seen as the replacement for Ederson.

However, he was soon edged out of a starting spot as the club signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris St-Germain.

Asked about Trafford's recent comments about expecting to play more, Guardiola said: "Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is.

"They have to be here to do the best they can do and after we will see what happens at the end of the season. The important thing is they have to be ready."

He said he was "beyond happy" with Trafford's attitude, but said his selection came as part of "a big moment for the team".

Arteta, meanwhile, gave no clue when he spoke to journalists as to who he will start in goal.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has been the north London side's keeper in domestic cup competitions, with David Raya taking to the field in the Premier League and Champions League.

Wembley game a 'defining' moment of season - Arteta

Composite image showing David Raya (left) in action during a match and Kepa Arrizabalaga holding a ball in training.

Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption,

Raya (left) has been Arsenal's first-choice keeper this season but Kepa has played in the Carabao Cup

Arsenal go into the game challenging for multiple trophies and Arteta said he was "prepared and confident" as they try to claim the first of them.

"When it comes to the crucial moments and when it comes to the moment to attack a trophy, take it and bring it home, that's when you need to step up and make a difference," he added.

"That's why we are all very excited because we know what is at stake, and now it's about the next step, the next game, and the fact that we are at the end of March and we are in four competitions tells a lot about the team.

"It's one of the defining moments because at the end it's whether you win the trophy or not.

"We need to prove that point. That's clear. And that has to be done on the pitch."

Guardiola downplays effect on title challenge

The match comes as Manchester City sit second in the Premier League, trailing Arsenal by nine points, although they have one game in hand and will welcome their rivals to Etihad Stadium next month.

Guardiola, though, gave little credence to suggestions a win at Wembley could see the title push turn in their favour.

"I don't know," he said. "I've said before, of course winning helps, but we could win on Sunday and then be bad in the league and go [in] the opposite [direction].

"I've learned that in many competitions, with many games with a short recovery time, you have to have the ability to forget and move forwards in good and bad moments.

"Learn what you have to do better."