Eagle-eyed fans believe 'GOAT' Man City kitman helped Ederson to avoid red card

Some Manchester City fans were quick to notice how their kitman may have played a huge role in ensuring Ederson didn't get sent off.

The reigning Premier League champions played host to a resilient Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon and secured a 2-0 win.

During the clash, City star Rodri was sent off for grabbing Morgan Gibbs-White by the neck after a challenge from the Forest man.

His dismissal came in the opening moments of the second half with City already holding their 2-0 lead.

Just minutes later, Ederson also went into the referee's book after he and Taiwo Awoniyi locked heads.

A second red card would have certainly angered Pep Guardiola even further, but it was kitman Brandon Ashton who may well have come to the rescue.

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Footage from a fan at the Etihad Stadium appears to capture him reminding Ederson that he's booked behind the City goal.

The goalkeeper was seen slowly walking with the ball after making a save, and was therefore at risk of booking for timewasting.

Fans on social media have hailed Ashton's potential ingenuity, with one on X calling him: "The goat."

"Breathtaking. don’t know what they would do without him," added another, who was clearly in awe of what they saw.

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A third called the kitman a: "F****** legend. Essential part of the club."

A fourth added: "When you work with Pep you must play multiple roles man like Brandon is also part time coaching staff."

Ederson managed to keep his cool for the rest of the match as City continued their 100 per cent record at the start of the season.

Rodri on the other hand will now be set to miss their crucial clash against Arsenal on October 8 due to a three-match ban for his red card.

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