Man City vs Atalanta: Bravo got red, Kylie Walker substituted as Goalie

Walker brought in as substitute goalie
Walker brought in as substitute goalie

Manchester City vs. Atalanta match in San Siro Stadium ended in a 1-1 draw, and the game ended with Man City praying for the scoreboard to remain unchanged. As Kyle Walker got the nod from team management to become Manchester City’s emergency goalie against Atalanta.

Kylie Walker as Goalie

Claudio Bravo came on the field for the injured Ederson at half-time of the today’s game, but was given a red card with 10 minutes of the match remaining. Having already brought on Sergio Aguero for Gabriel Jesus, Pep Guardiola was left with five choices for his final change: Walker, John Stones, Angelino, Tommy Doyle, and Eric Garcia.

As England defender Walker is no stranger to the goalkeepers and he sometimes joins in with their drills in training. It was later revealed that manager was happy to take the recommendation of his goalkeeping coach as the Blues fought last 10 minutes to save the game. “We didn’t know before, but Xavi Mancisidor, our goalkeeper coach, suggested him for his courage and because he is quick,” Guardiola said. “We are lucky we only conceded one shot on target when he was in goal, but congratulations for the courage and desire to help the team in this position.”

Kylie Walker got a grip of the ball at the second attempt, from the free-kick he had to face immediately after substitution and managed to keep the score at 1-1. He was welcomed with chants of ‘England’s No.1’ from the City fans, who kept their humour despite the bizarre events that had unfolded in goal.

Jesus Penalty Missed the Target

Earlier, Gabriel Jesus could have given City a 2-0 lead before half-time, but his attempt on goal ended up wide – and Guardiola admited it was a game-changing moment. “Definitely. Football is emotion. “The second half we didn’t do exactly what we should do. It was a few chances conceded against one of the teams who create more. It was a perfect result away, and we need one more point to go through. When we land in Manchester, we will think about the next game in the Premier League.”

Point from today’s match, ensured the Premier League champions retain control of their Champions League group and can confirm top spot with a draw at home to Shakhtar next up.

Ederson Availability for Liverpool Match

Pep Guardiola admitted that Ederson is a doubt for Manchester City’s clash with Liverpool on Sunday. The two leading title contenders for Premier league, go head to head for the first time this season at the weekend, but City may be without their goalkeeper after Ederson was taken off at half-time of their Champions League draw with Atalanta – with Kyle Walker ending up in goal after substitute Claudio Bravo was sent off.
The city would have qualified for the knockout stages with a win but, instead, have been made to wait. Guardiola told, “In this competition, you know you have your chances and moments, and you have to take it. But with the problems we have, we made an excellent first half.
“First half we were outstanding, and second we suffered. In the last 15 minutes, we had the issue with the new keeper.
“I don’t know right now [if Ederson will miss the Liverpool game].”

“He’s an incredible, experienced professional,” Guardiola said. “If Ederson is ready, he is going to play. If not, we will play Claudio. We trust him. Why should I doubt any players I have in my squad?”
Guardiola offered the stance despite Bravo’s misjudgment causing his 81st-minute red card as he rushed out and brought down Josip Ilicic. This was the second sending-off in the Chilean’s City career, the first coming for handling outside the area against Barcelona three years ago.