NO.1 QUESTION PEP CAN'T PASS ON

New boy Trafford's iffy form and benched Brazilian have given boss Guardiola a real Ed-ache between the sticks

- BY STEVE BATES

IN THE aftermath of another chastening defeat to bogey team Tottenham, no one at Manchester City was addressing the elephant in the room - Ederson.

Not Pep Guardiola nor any of his players who put themselves in front of a microphone.

James Trafford’s costly blunder to gift the impressive Joao Palhinha Spurs’ second goal in first-half added time prompted TV cameras to seek out Brazilian star Ederson, sat stony-faced on the City bench.

But it’s an issue Guardiola can't ignore much longer - especially with Paris St-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma looking for a Premier League club.

Palhinha’s goal, adding to a rapid 35th-minute raid that ended with Brennan Johnson opening the scoring for Thomas Frank's side, effectively ended any hopes of a City comeback on a day of headaches for Guardiola.

During his eight years as City’s No.1 Ederson, along with Alisson at Liverpool, has set a new standard for Premier League goalkeeping - notably with his ball-playing ability.

So just why a fit and ready Ederson didn't take his place in goal against Tottenham only Guardiola and goalkeeping coach Xabi Mancisidor really know.