Pepe Reina may someday be talked about as one of the greatest and most dependable goalkeepers in Liverpool’s history.
But the longtime starter gifted Sergio Aguero a goal that stood as the game-winner in Tuesday’s loss to Manchester City. And Liverpool fans did not shy away from criticizing their number one.
The goal came in the 10th minute, when Aguero’s harmless-looking shot dipped under Reina and flew into the back of the net. It also happened just seconds after a mutually agreed upon switch of the game ball.
The move started when Dirk Kuyt was dispossessed near the touchline around 35 yards from goal by James Milner. The City midfielder passed it to David Silva, who played a one-touch pass forward to Aguero. Diego Maradona‘s son-in-law then turned and struck his shot from around 20 yards out.
Daniel Agger initially shielded it from Reina, but the LFC goalkeeper had a good look at it for most of its path. He dove to his right and it almost seemed like he had to make a quick decision on how to stop the dipping shot. He could either dive and turn it away with his hands, or try and kick it away.
Reina chose to dive. It was not hit so far ahead of him that he needed to extend his body to get his hands on it. Instead it was closer to his waist, and dipped under him as he pulled his hands in to stop the shot.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish talked about the gaffe after the game. He refused to blame the 29-year-old goalkeeper, saying it was the result of a team breakdown.
“We’re not going to sit and isolate individuals,” Dalglish said. “We’re never going to win anything with individuals – we’ll win things with the squad. Every single member of the squad that played made a mistake in some way, shape or form. It’s how they react to them that’s going to be important.”
LFC fans, on the other hand, don’t have to worry about Reina’s feelings. They let theirs be known in the social media.
Review all the action from Tuesday’s game in our Liverpool Live blog.
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Photo via Flickr/zizu2
