Source: Daily_Mail
Pepe Reina will prove class despite Arsenal howler, says Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard insists Pepe Reina will repay Liverpool over the season after his howler gifted Arsenal a late point yesterday. [LNB]The Spanish goalkeeper - one of the best stoppers in the Barclays Premier League - palmed the ball into his own net in the 90th minute to hand the Gunners an equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Anfield. [LNB] Nightmare: Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina spills the ball into his own net[LNB]The error meant Roy Hodgson was denied an opening league victory as Liverpool boss as they attempt to bounce back from last season's woes. [LNB]But captain Gerrard claims that Reina - last season's player of the year - will prove his worth over the course of the campaign as they launch their bid to return to the title race. [LNB]He said: 'For me he is one of the best keepers in the world and he will certainly make up for that during the course of the season. [LNB]Battle: Steven Gerrard and Andrey Arshavin fight for the ball[LNB] 'He is worth a lot of points to this football club, there is no two waysabout it. I'm not making excuses but he was unlucky and I think the sunplayed a big part.[LNB]'But somewhere down the line, we will be winning 1-0 or drawing and he will make a world class save - that's what he does. [LNB]'There is no finger pointing here. Everyone can walk away from the game with their heads held high and be proud of the performance.' [LNB]Jamie Carragher joined Gerrard in leaping to the defence of their under-fire goalkeeper.[LNB]He said: 'Pepe is the best 'keeper in the world, there is no doubt about that. He was our best player last year.[LNB]'We all make mistakes and we don't have a problem with him. I'd like to see the goal again, because I know goalkeepers are protected so a lot of times you get a foul for that.[LNB]'Ask any team, when you concede a late goal it's disappointing, especially given the way we played.'[LNB] Liverpool impressed in their opening league match on Sunday and almost held on for three points despite playing half the match without Joe Cole.[LNB] The England midfielder, signed on a free transfer from Chelsea in the summer, was shown a straight red card for a reckless lunge on Laurent Koscielny. [LNB]Gerrard believes Cole was unlucky to be dismissed, saying: 'It was a bit of a downer for Joe but he shook everyone's hand and thanked them for the performance after he'd gone off.[LNB] 'I think he was a bit unlucky to get a red card. A yellow would have been sensible. But if you make those tackles in front of the away supporters, it influences the referee and that's what happened.' [LNB] Howler: Reina holds his head after Arsenal's late equaliser at Anfield[LNB] [LNB]Despite the late setback at Anfield, Gerrard believes they can now battle on to challenge for honours this season. [LNB]He added: 'I thought we were very unlucky not to see it out and take maximum points. I'm very proud of the lads and we all put a tremendous shift in.[LNB]'It's tough enough playing Arsenal when it's 11 versus 11. To lose a manwith a half to go and still get something out of the game is very pleasing. [LNB]'We were disciplined, I thought we looked very fit and I thought we played some good stuff. There are a lot of positives to take, it's just a shame we didn't see it through.[LNB] 'If we continue to show that fighting spirit and attitude, we will be in for a really good season but we need to show it week in, week out, not just against Arsenal.' [LNB] Liverpool 1 Arsenal 1: Joe Cole sees red as late Pepe Reina blunder gifts Gunners a share of the spoils at AnfieldLiverpool plan to appeal 'devastated' Cole's opening day red cardMartin Samuel: At this rate, stars won't survive till September... let alone May!LIVERPOOL FC
