Anfield Banter: Pepe’s the best… again, super model be gone, & red card odds

By: Brian | August 9th, 2007

* Pepe Reina, quite possibly the best keep in the world, won his second straight golden gloves award for his performance last year in the EPL. His 19 clean sheets were tops in the league, with 5 better than Tim ‘I can’t play against Mancheaters United’ Howard. Reina has a total of 39 clean sheets in 67 league starts, how impressive is that? He’s also probably the best penalty keep in the world. Did I mention that already? Just ask Chelsea, then ask them again, what? Don’t believe me? Then ask West Ham and Danny Buijs.

* Speaking of keeps, our part-time super model/goaltender, none other than Scott Carson, threw such a hissy fit about playing second fiddle to the world’s greatest keep, a.k.a. Pepe Reina, that Rafa has decided to send him elsewhere. It looks as though he might be headed out on loan to Villa, but just in case Sven was wondering, he’s for sale at £12M. That sounds about right, especially if you consider former Hearts gk Craig Gordon is apparently worth £9M. I still can’t get over Roy Boy buying a keep for £9M!!! He’s lost his frickin’ mind… for the umpteenth time. Anyhow, I’m sure everybody’s favorite human rights activist, Thaksin Shinawatra, won’t mind getting out the checkbook for England’s finest.

* Finally, if you’re wondering who to bet on for first LFC player to be sent off in a match, look no further than Xabi Alonso, who’s a 9/1 favorite. Some of the other odds are Alvaro Arbeloa and Momo Sissoko both at 12/1, Daniel Agger at 14/1, Jamie Carragher is 16/1, and finally the skipper is 20/1. Personally, my money would be on Javier Mascherano and/or Harry Kewell, who are at 20/1 and 40/1 respectively. Javi tends to be a bit reckless at times and Harry’s got a well-needed attitude so far this year.