'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
📸 Man City stopper marks historic EFL Cup final feat in incredible style
Mar 22 2026 17:11 · By onefootball.com · 93 Reads
Manchester City started the EFL Cup final on the back foot against Arsenal on Sunday.
The Premier League leaders enjoyed the first chances at Wembley, and it took something special from City's second-choice goalkeeper James Trafford to deny them.
Kai Havertz and Buyako Saka laid siege to their opponents' goal in quick succession, but Trafford was able to pull off a string of stops to keep the Gunners at bay.
– Sunday, 22 March 2026
It was already a historic appearance for the England international after he became the youngest goalkeeper to start an EFL Cup final in nearly half a century.
Nottingham Forest's Chris Woods, at 18 years and 124 days, was the last stopper to achieve the feat in 1978 before Trafford stepped up at 23 years and 163 days.
Will it be a final to remember for the City academy graduate?
📸 Julian Finney - 2026 Getty Images