Kyle Walker Comes Out as Goalkeeper as Claudio Bravo was Sent off against Atlanta

Published 11/07/2019, 7:16 AM EST

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Manchester City will now have to wait a little longer to all but confirm their place in the knockout stage of Champions League. Kyle Walker saved a shot to keep the score 1-1. Yes, it was Kyle Walker and no it was not a goal line clearance.

After Claudio Bravo was sent off in the 81st minute, it was Walker that was given the responsibility in front of goal.

When asked if he volunteered or was chosen for the job between the stick, Walker told BT Sport: “I think it was a little bit of both. ‘I try, sometimes, to banter the keepers in training to try and catch it, but as I found tonight that sometimes you do have to take two touches.

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“All jokes aside we came here to get a point or a victory, we knew it was going to be difficult, they play man-to-man, they’re a good team, they’re in the Champions League for a reason. To come away from here how we ended the game with a draw is a good point and we’ll take that on now.”

 

Manager Pep Guardiola admitted that he was unsure who would take the gloves after Bravo’s red card, but Walker stood out for his bravery and pace.

“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.”

While in the Champions league, they do not seem to face any troubles so far, they are trailing to Liverpool in the league. They travel to Anfield on Sunday, with a hope to close down the gap.

“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 a good first half,” Guardiola told BT Sport

“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].”

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Gabriel Jesus could have given City a 2-0 lead before half-time, but he dragged a penalty wide – and Guardiola admits it was a game-changing moment.

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“The second half we didn’t do exactly what we should do. It was 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 though.

“When we land in Manchester we will think about the next game in the Premier League.”

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Written by:

Saketh Kandadai

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