Skipper Gerrard Hails Reina, Says He Is Still The Best Goalie Around

STEVEN GERRARD today backed Pepe Reina to put his Arsenal calamity behind him in double quick time and show why he is one of the best in the business.
Liverpool's current Player of the Year inexplicably put through his own net in the final minute of an absorbing game to prevent Roy Hodgson's side opening the campaign with a win.
However, it was thanks to two fabulous Reina saves from Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky that the 10-man Reds were still leading at that point, thanks to David Ngog's thumping effort.
Reina was left inconsolable by the error but his team-mates were quick to rally around him and Gerrard has no doubts that the World Cup winner will quickly banish the episode.

“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,” said Gerrard.
“He is worth a lot of points to this football club, there is no two ways about it. I'm not making excuses but he was unlucky and I think the sun played 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.”
If Reina was feeling blue, the same was also true for Joe Cole, who was sent-off in first half injury time for a clumsy challenge on Arsenal new boy Laurent Koscielny.
Referee Martin Atkinson appeared desperate to make his mark on the contest and Gerrard feels the official's punishment did not match the crime.
“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,” said Gerrard.
“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.”

Still, that Liverpool came within a whisker of getting off to a winning start spoke volumes for their efforts but Gerrard was quick to point out that they cannot drop below this benchmark.
“I thought we were very unlucky not to see it out and take maximum points,” said Gerrard. “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. So lose a man with 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 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.”