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Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero has offered his thoughts on the competition for the No.1 role in the goalkeeping position at the Etihad Stadium.

The former City striker, widely regarded as one of the club’s greatest-ever players, continues to closely follow developments at City, now including the ever-evolving situation in the goalkeeping department.

With James Trafford navigating a challenging campaign somewhat defined by patience and perseverance, Sergio Aguero’s perspective offers valuable insight into the mindset required to succeed at the highest level.

Trafford returned to the Etihad Stadium last summer in a £27 million move from Burnley and was initially entrusted with regular minutes during the opening weeks. However, increased competition soon followed through the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, reshaping his role and demanding a strong response both on and off the pitch.

Despite the reduction in opportunities, Trafford has continued to make a strong impression particularly in domestic cups, and his ability to deliver composed performances in high-pressure situations has been viewed as a sign of his long-term potential, even amid stiff competition for places at present.

Speaking exclusively to City Xtra on behalf of Stake, Sergio Aguero has offered his thoughts on James Trafford’s ongoing situation at Manchester City and the Englishman’s burning desire for more game-time, as well as a No.1 role for a top ranking side.

“[James] Trafford has shown in the games he played, especially in the League Cup and FA Cup, that he is a great goalkeeper,” said the legendary former Manchester City striker.

“But that’s how competition works in a squad, especially as a goalkeeper,” he continued. “He has to compete with a top player like [Gianluigi] Donnarumma, and that makes it harder to start.

“It’s normal that he wants more minutes. Time will tell what is best for him.”

Sergio Aguero’s comments echo the internal view at Manchester City, where James Trafford’s professionalism and mentality have earned consistent praise from Pep Guardiola when quizzed on the player in media duties.

The goalkeeper has been a key figure in Manchester City’s domestic cup progress, starting every match in their run to the 2026 Carabao Cup Final, including both legs of the semi-final victory over Newcastle United.

Trafford has also featured prominently in the FA Cup, delivering assured performances that underline his readiness when called upon. Pep Guardiola has previously highlighted his shot-stopping ability and focus, even when match opportunities have been limited.

With Gianluigi Donnarumma firmly established as the club’s leading option, Trafford faces a pivotal decision ahead of the summer, and rumours are already beginning to swirl surrounding a possible loan or even permanent exit.

VERONA, Italy (AP) — The twin Milan and Cortina Olympic cauldrons are extinguished, signaling the end of the most spread-out Winter Games.

The Huskers went into the final game of the weekend against the California Golden Bears looking for a sweep and they did just that getting another shutout victory Sunday afternoon.

While Jordy Frahm was listed as the starting pitcher, Alexis Jensen, the designated player, got the start on the mound for the 2nd game today. Cal’s starting pitcher, Tamya Waiters, is 0-2 on the season so far with an ERA of 4.88.

The Huskers were able to get a couple singles hit by Hannah Camenzind and Ava Kuszak, but they were left stranded on base and would be the Huskers only hits through the 4th inning when Alexis Jensen got them on base again.

It took the Golden Bears until the 2nd inning to reach base as they went 3 up and 3 out in the 1st. Anaya Togia started them off with a single before being thrown out at 2nd by a fielders choice on Kyndal Todd’s single.

Anya German would follow Todd’s single up by getting walked by Jensen and would eventually get into scoring position when Jensen threw a wild pitch which send German to 2nd and Todd to 3rd. They would be stranded though as Xiomei Geluz struck out swinging to end the inning.

The 3rd inning was a short one as the only player to reach base, for either team, was Hannah Camenzind as she was walked to bring Jesse Farrell up to bat. Farrell flied out on the 1st pitch that came at her though.

Going into the 4th inning, the game was still stuck at 0-0 with both the Huskers and Golden Bears playing tough defense today and their bats, silent.

The Huskers finally broke through in the 4th, though, starting with Alexis Jensen hitting a single which is her 1st hit of her collegiate career. Sam Bland pinch ran for her after this.

Kacie Hoffmann came up to bat next and was walked by the Cal pitcher, Tamya Waiters, who threw 4 straight balls. This moved Bland to 2nd. Hannah Coor reached base on a fielders choice as Bland was thrown out at 3rd, but Hoffmann moved to 2nd and into position to score.

Bella Bacon took advantage of some of Waiters’ breakdowns in the 4th as Bacon hit an RBI double to bring Hoffmann home and score the first run of the game. Hannah Camenzind ended the top of the 4th for the Huskers by lining out.

Cal’s first batter up in the bottom of the 4th, Gator Robinson, painted the foul line as she hit a double straight out of the gates. This was just their 2nd hit of the game. Anaya Togia moved Robinson to 3rd base as she grounded out to 2nd base. The Golden Bears were threatening to score for the 1st time today.

Both Kyndal Todd and Maddie Rey were called out on some quick hands plays by the Huskers as they got the ball where it needed to go quickly to end the inning and strand Robinson at 3rd.

The only Husker to reach in the 5th was Jordy Frahm and it, of course, wasn’t a hit, but a walk. She would make it all the way to 3rd base by stealing 2nd and advancing to 3rd when Jesse Farrell grounded out before Ava Kuszak struck out to end the top of the 5th.

Jordy Frahm took over on the mound in the bottom of the 5th to close out the game for the Huskers even though Alexis Jensen was playing a great game through the 5th. Frahm started off her time on the mound by hitting Anya German with a pitch and sending her to 1st. Emma Jackson pinch ran for German.

Cal only managed to get one hit in the bottom of the 5th as Kayla Lee reached base on fielders choice. The Huskers earned an out, though, as Jackson was out at 3rd.

Nebraska woke up going into the 6th as their bats managed to catch a little fire finally. Alexis Jensen grounded out to start, but Kacie Hoffmann would be walked next and Katelyn Caneda came in as a pinch runner.

Hannah Coor followed this up with a single to move Caneda to 2nd. Bella Bacon was walked on a 4-1 count to advance all runners and load the bases. Lauren Camenzind, who is their power hitter in the 9th spot, hit a grand slam homer to bust the game open and put the Huskers up 5-0 late in the game. Cal decided to switch pitchers at this point and bring Taylor Peacock to the mound. Peacock proved to be a little rusty though as she hit Frahm with a pitch on just her 2nd pitch.

Hannah Camenzind couldn’t let her sister have all the glory though as she wanted to get in a hit of her own as she hit a single to advance Frahm to 2nd. Jesse Farrell reached on a fielders choice, but Frahm was thrown out at 3rd to give Cal their 2nd out of the inning, but the Huskers still had their foot on the gas.

Ava Kuszak hit an RBI single, to score Hannah Camenzind and give the Huskers a 6-0 lead and move them closer to a run rule win. Kuszak would be thrown out at 2nd though, on fielders choice, to end the top of the 6th though.

The Golden Bears came back up to bat trying to match what the Huskers just did in the top of the inning, but that would be a tall task for them. After Carly Raven started them off with a pop up to 2nd, Gator Robinson was able to hit a single to try and start hacking away at the lead.

The Huskers made a fielding error that allowed Anaya Togia to reach base and send Robinson to 2nd. The next two Cal batters stuck out to send the game to the final inning.

Kacie Hoffmann was quickly retired to start the 7th as she hit a grounder to 2nd. Hannah Coor also grounded out to quickly give the Golden Bears a chance to close out the top of the 7th. Bella Bacon hit the lone single of the inning before Lauren Camenzind ended it with an out at 1st.

Cal had one last chance to score 6 runs in the bottom of the 7th to try and send it to extra innings. They weren’t able to figure out Jordy Frahm and the Huskers though as the Huskers walk away from the Mary Nutter Classic 5-0, only giving up 3 runs all weekend.

The Huskers will be back in action on Thursday evening as they travel to Oklahoma. They will play Oklahoma St. on Thursday night. On Friday, they will play South Dakota St. in the afternoon before playing Tulsa that night. They will end the weekend with 2 more games against Oklahoma St. on Saturday and Sunday.

Viktor Gyokeres produced one of his finest performances for Arsenal in their victory over Tottenham, scoring twice and demonstrating his ability to make a decisive impact in the league. The brace marked a significant turnaround for the striker, who has endured a difficult campaign and faced growing scrutiny in recent weeks.

For much of the season, Gyokeres has struggled to find consistency. Following a disappointing display against Wolves, there were calls for him to be dropped from the starting line-up. However, Mikel Arteta has remained steadfast in his belief that the Swedish forward is his first choice and should be allowed to rediscover his scoring touch.

Faith Rewarded by Arteta

Arteta’s continued trust was justified against Tottenham. Gyokeres retained his place in the side and responded emphatically, troubling the Spurs’ defence throughout the contest. With Tottenham adjusting to a new manager, there had been uncertainty surrounding their tactical approach. Ultimately, they were unable to contain Arsenal’s attacking threat, and Gyokeres capitalised on the opportunities presented to him.

It is not often that he has delivered such a commanding performance this season, particularly against high-calibre opposition. His movement, composure and clinical finishing were instrumental in securing the result and will provide a timely boost to his confidence as the campaign enters its decisive phase.

(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arteta’s Praise

Arteta was clearly pleased with his striker’s display and said via the BBC:

“He was outstanding today, I thought. There have been glimmers of it every week but today, I thought he was fantastic.”

Arsenal must now build on this momentum and maintain their standards in the remaining fixtures, with performances of this level essential if they are to achieve their objectives before the season concludes.

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