For so many years now, Pepe Reina has been a model of consistency between the sticks for Liverpool. He’s a commanding presence, a great shot-stopper and strong character. At one stage, many considered him to be the best goalkeeper in the Premier League. I think it’s fair to say that he’s lost that title.
His latest error against Arsenal is merely the icing on the cake. Whilst there wasn’t much Reina could do to stop Lukas Podolski firing the Gunners ahead, I feel he could have done more to prevent Santi Cazorla’s second. The Spaniard’s shot was hit powerfully, but Reina could only flap a hand at it allowing it to creep in underneath him. If he was on form, you get the feeling he’d have stopped it.
The error followed another mistake against Hearts and average-to-poor performances against West Brom and City.
Reina’s inconsistency at the back appears to be affecting others as well. Take for instance, the usually reliable Martin Skrtel, whose blind back-pass cost the Reds a victory against Manchester City. A moment of madness no doubt, but these moments seem to be forming a regular part of Liverpool’s defensive play.
There’s been a lot of talk about the Red’s lack of prowess moving forward. And that is a problem. But if Liverpool don’t have a solid backbone to build from, the goals they score may end up being irrelevant (as was the case in the Man City fixture). Last season the Reds could rely on their defense and their goalkeeper. This season I’m not so sure.
At the moment, Liverpool look like a club in turmoil. The difficulties they’ve faced in the transfer market over the summer look to be taking a toll on the squad. It’s clear that the pressures on, but it’s not clear that the players can hack it.
The Reds need to re-group and fire themselves up for a big fixture against Manchester United. It’s an awfully big ask to expect these players to right the wrongs of the first three games against their biggest rivals, but if they do come through the other side, it may well stir their season into life. I can’t think of a better catalyst than beating Manchester United.
And hopefully, the players are thinking the same thing.
What’s your take? Should Liverpool fans start worrying about Pepe Reina?
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Pepe has not been at his best for about 18 months now. He looks as though he is carrying more weight than he was 2 years ago.
He still makes standard saves but he no longer seems to be making the unexpected match winning saves he used to.
He seems slower to get down to balls on the floor close to him. He has been beaten far too easily at the near post more than few times in the last 12 months. He also flaps at balls in the air more than I would like these days. He is no longer the Premier league’s best keeper and has probably fallen outside the top 10. He needs to improve in the coming months or I think his days will be numbered as Liverpool’s number one keeper.
Still think people (mainly due to the press) are over-reacting to LFC. Yes, liverpool got beat by Arsenal, but this was due to a counter attack, which in truth, based on those opening 30mins, was slightly against the run of play, and then the mistake by Reina, so hardly a Crisis in losing to Arsenal. A week earlier, Liverpool showed what performances that team is capable of achieving, and I believe they will perform like that more consistenly once the players gel and become comfortable with Rodgers new philosophy and playing style. No crisis at all, just the expected early season toothing problems to a new managers style. The media simly love a crisis story, even when one doesnt exist.
He’s not gud, since d cl against chelsea wen morinho was incharge, & drogba score 2 against us, in front of him on same side, since dat time i stop likin him, (imo)he’s nt a gud keeper, he cnt go on air, cnt keep one & one, 2much errors dat cost us, pls we need anoda keeper