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. 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. Nightmare: Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina spills the ball into his own netThe error meant Roy Hodgson was denied an opening league victory as Liverpool boss as they attempt to bounce back from last season's woes. 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. 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. Battle: Steven Gerrard and Andrey Arshavin fight for the ball '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.'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. 'There is no finger pointing here. Everyone can walk away from the game with their heads held high and be proud of the performance.' Jamie Carragher joined Gerrard in leaping to the defence of their under-fire goalkeeper.He said: 'Pepe is the best 'keeper in the world, there is no doubt about that. He was our best player last year.'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.'Ask any team, when you concede a late goal it's disappointing, especially given the way we played.' Liverpool impressed in their opening league match on Sunday and almost held on for three points despite playing half the match without Joe Cole. 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. 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. '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.' Howler: Reina holds his head after Arsenal's late equaliser at Anfield Despite the late setback at Anfield, Gerrard believes they can now battle on to challenge for honours this season. 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.'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. '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. '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.' 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