Stevie: Reina will make up for it

Steven Gerrard thinks Pepe Reina will respond to a rare mistake against Arsenal by proving over the coming months that he is the best goalkeeper in the world.

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Liverpool looked set for a winning start to 2010-11 until the Spaniard deflected a Marouane Chamakh effort into his own net with seconds to spare at the Anfield Road end.

It was a rare slip up from a man voted our player of the season last term - and Gerrard has no doubts that Reina will bounce back quickly.

"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 the captain.

"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."

Liverpool's cause was not helped when Martin Atkinson dismissed Joe Cole for a late challenge on Laurent Koscielny just before the break.

Like most onlookers, Gerrard thought the straight red was harsh.

"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," he said.

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"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."

Despite missing out on the three points, Gerrard believes the Reds will take a lot of confidence from their performance against a side likely to be fighting for the title.

"I thought we were very unlucky not to see it out and take maximum points," said the No.8. "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 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 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."