• Premier League

Reina blames himself for Liverpool defeat at West Ham

ESPNsoccernet staff
March 3, 2011
Pepe Reina may feel he should have done better with Scott Parker's opener for West Ham against Liverpool © PA Photos
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Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina says he must make sure he is back on top form ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Sunday.

After a run of four consecutive clean sheets, Reina was at fault as Liverpool lost 3-1 at West Ham United last weekend and was particularly disappointed with being beaten at his near post by Carlton Cole at the end of the game.

But Reina believes such bad experiences can only make him a better goalkeeper in the long-run.

"Keeping those clean sheets was about not making mistakes," he was quoted as saying by the Daily Mail. "I made a couple of them on Sunday and I felt really disappointed with my performance.

"I won't hide behind my team-mates. I was poor. I have to recognise this and keep learning from those mistakes."

Liverpool's record signing Andy Carroll is on course to make his debut at Anfield on Sunday, and Reina expects the £35 million striker to make a big impact.

"I hope it turns out like we all think it will," said Reina. "Andy is a great player, a top striker and he will score a lot of goals for Liverpool.

"He has that physical condition. He is massive as a unit and a tough bloke to deal with. I know from experience how difficult it is to face these kinds of opponents."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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