Roy Hodgson praises Jose Reina on achieving 100 EPL clean-sheets
Liverpool FC manager Roy Hodgson has heaped praise on his goalkeeper Jose Reina, who achieved a personal milestone of 100 clean sheets in the English Premier League during the Reds 3-0 victory over Aston Villa FC.
Reina, who acted as a stand in captain in the absence of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, notched up his 100th shut-out in the league. The Spanish keeper achieved the 100 mark in only his 198th outing, a truly remarkable achievement.
The previous club-record for clean sheets was held by Anfield legend Ray Clemence, who recorded his century of shut-outs in 217 matches.
Pepe had little to save between the posts, as Villa did not provide any attacking threat during the match. A close-range effort from striker Gabriel Agbonlahor was the only occasion on which the Liverpool keeper had to be on his toes to make a save.
After the match, the manager saluted Reina and said, “He salvaged the situation for us as good goalkeepers do and I can only congratulate him on being the fastest goalkeeper to 100 league clean sheets for Liverpool. He has done it in the face of some very
stiff competition, in particular Ray Clemence and Bruce Grobbelaar who were two legendary goalkeepers for this club.”
He added, “It is fantastic he has outdone them by reaching the landmark fastest and it was also nice to hear him pay tribute to the people in front of him. I think all goalkeepers who are going to break all records need good defences in front of them. But
I think he may be the best in the league at setting up attacks and distributing the ball. He got his clean sheet tonight without being able to get the cigar on in the six-yard box but it is very nice he has done that. It is a record he can justifiably proud
of."
Liverpool climbed to 8th place in the Premier League after Monday night’s win. After 16 games, the Merseysiders are on 22 points, just 5 points behind 4th placed Manchester City.
It has been a considerable improvement for Liverpool after their woeful start to the season. The Reds were languishing in 18th
position after 7 games but recent string of positive results has catapulted them from relegation zone to the top half of the table.
Now, Hodgson’s aim will be to target a top 4 finish, in order to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season. The former Fulham FC manager will also be boosted by the return of his charismatic captain Steven Gerrard when he faces Newcastle United at
the weekend. Gerrard missed the last 3 league matches due to a hamstring injury.
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