Our matches against the big sides..

[Nic83]

Chelsea, Utd and Arsenal. Whether it be CL or prem. I'm wondering how many of the goals we have conceeded have been from corners or headed crosses? At a guess, I'd say 80% + in the last few years.

2 things to note: That zonal marking system is obviously failing against the better quality and Pepe Reina is over rated by the majority. He doesn't seem to know whether he's coming or going.

Seriously, anyone come up with the %? It's basics to be able to defend set pieces and crosses and this is the sole reason our record against the big teams is so shocking.

[Shaggy]

Just what has happened to us when defending set pieces? From being so secure for so long, we're suddenly all at sea and every single one is causing problems. I think Skrtel, as good as he's been in open play, is really struggling to get to grips with our system.

We've drawn home and away against both Arsenal and Chelsea in the league, which, although far from ideal, is a big improvement on recent years.

[Vermilion]

Just what has happened to us when defending set pieces? From being so secure for so long, we're suddenly all at sea and every single one is causing problems. I think Skrtel, as good as he's been in open play, is really struggling to get to grips with our system.

We've drawn home and away against both Arsenal and Chelsea in the league, which, although far from ideal, is a big improvement on recent years.

Just one of those seasons for the defence on set pieces me thinks, one of those weird stats. We have been so solid yes that's correct, so i'm not sure it's the fault of zonal marking, just a phase we've gone through, that's what i'm hoping anyhow.

[Marky]

I blame Gerrard myself.

[fah-q]

Why is Reina overated by the majority?

[NICKZS]

I blame Gerrard myself.

Fair play.

[Guest]

It's simply the fact that a new defender is learning the ropes in how to defend in our system. Simple as that. And we've not conceded many stupid goals like that often.

The argument that zonal marking fails when we're playing the quality sides doesn't hold too and Reina is a top top class keeper, one of the best around. The work he does all round is unnoticed. He's like a sweeper for us.

[Nic83]

Just what has happened to us when defending set pieces? From being so secure for so long, we're suddenly all at sea and every single one is causing problems. I think Skrtel, as good as he's been in open play, is really struggling to get to grips with our system.

We've drawn home and away against both Arsenal and Chelsea in the league, which, although far from ideal, is a big improvement on recent years.

That's a good point actually. About skittles I mean. I remember we were shipping goals by the bucketload when we started the zonal marking but then seemed to get used to it. Maybe the same thing is happening now because Skrtyl isn't used to it.

[Nic83]

Why is Reina overated by the majority?

You tell me.

[Nic83]

I blame Gerrard myself.

wake up marky, this is defending set pieces not taking them Go get yourself smashed and pull a couple of fattys boss!

[Red_Polo]

How many set-pieces have the top sides take against us compared to the rest?

[Alan Key]

Why is Reina overated by the majority?

I think it was winning the prestigious and world renowned 'golden gove' two years in a row, it may have clouded a few people's opinions.

Me?

Average goalkeeper, there are plenty worse around, but plenty better at the same time. Not up there with cech, van der sar or david james imo.

[Alan Key]

How many set-pieces have the top sides take against us compared to the rest?

I'm sorry?

[Reece]

I think it was winning the prestigious and world renowned 'golden gove' two years in a row, it may have clouded a few people's opinions.

Don't be such a patronising idiot.

Whether you know about the award or not, the fact is he did win it. The award goes to the keeper who keeps the most clean sheets in a season (in the premiership), so I don't know how you can simply dismiss him having won it 2 years on the trot - his first 2 years at club.

But I guess as you haven't heard of it, it must be worthless.

[NICKZS]

I think it was winning the prestigious and world renowned 'golden gove' two years in a row, it may have clouded a few people's opinions.

Me?

Average goalkeeper, there are plenty worse around, but plenty better at the same time. Not up there with cech, van der sar or david james imo.

Mediocre.