Friday 19 December 2008

This time it's different, roars Reina


Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina has claimed this season's clash with Arsenal at the Emirates will be "different" as they are top of the pile.

The Reds have struggled away against Arsenal under Rafael Benitez - in fact they have not beaten Arsene Wenger's side on the Gunners' own turf since February 2000 - but Reina insists there is a new confidence in the league leaders.

He told the club's official website: "We don't have that many great memories from our other visits to the Emirates. They played very well, and we weren't in our best moment.

"This time I think it is different, because we are top of the table and I think it is easier to play when you are up there. We've never won there before, so maybe it's the right time to do it.

"It is possible for us to win on any ground. But we have to respect them a lot and play to win, like we always do.

"We have already won at Stamford Bridge, which we'd not done, so we're confident we can now go to the Emirates and win there too."

Reina is anticipating Arsenal raising their game for Sunday's match - they have already beaten Chelsea and Manchester United but lost to Hull, Stoke and Fulham.

"They probably do save their best for the big teams," added Reina.

"The way they play their football probably makes it easier for them to take on the top sides, because they allow them to play their brand of football.

"Against more physical teams, they have struggled a little bit because of that.

"Arsenal have great players and a good squad. They are able to do great things. They beat Manchester United at home and also won at Stamford Bridge, so we know it will be a really tough game."

Reina, who has yet to keep a clean sheet against Arsenal, believes Emmanuel Adebayor and Robin van Persie are as dangerous as any duo.

He added: "They have one of the most dangerous partnerships in world football. They score many, many goals. Van Persie has lots of quality, while Adebayor complements that with the power and the strength.

"They score many goals and have been like that for years now. It will be hard to keep a clean sheet against them.

"If we stay compact we can make it difficult for them - and we are capable of scoring at any moment - but we know it will be really difficult against them."