'Pepe's performance was vital'
Pepe Reina's performance in Saturday's goalless draw with Reading was just as important as that of home goalkeeper Alex McCarthy, according to Liverpool legend John Aldridge.
The Reds dominated the contest at the Madejski Stadium but were left frustrated by an inspired display from the home custodian, who produced save after save to thwart the likes of Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge, Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho.
However, Liverpool had Reina to thank for ensuring Reading didn't find the back of the net after our No.25 pulled off two impressive second-half stops to foil the hosts.
Aldridge wrote in his Liverpool Echo column: "Reading 'keeper Alex McCarthy got plenty of praise for his performance on Saturday, but I was also impressed by Pepe Reina's contribution.
"For long periods Reina had nothing to do but his concentration was excellent.
"When Reina was called into action early in the second half he pulled off two really good saves.
"Recent results have been frustrating but the real positive has been the clean sheets.
"That's 13 in the league this season now and only Man City have kept more."
Aldridge believes the manner of Liverpool's dominant performance at the Madejski shows the progress being made under Brendan Rodgers - despite being held to a goalless stalemate.
He explained: "It sounds stupid after we've just failed to beat the Premier League's bottom club but I'm convinced Liverpool are making strides under Brendan Rodgers.
"I can see progression as the football we are playing is excellent. Saturday's result against Reading was so disappointing but you can't really knock the players because there wasn't too much wrong with the performance.
"We created more than enough chances to win the game but it was one of those freak afternoons that as a Liverpool fan we've seen far too often in recent years.
"I'd never even heard of the lad before but Reading's Alex McCarthy produced one of the best goalkeeping displays you are ever likely to see.
"I couldn't believe it when I heard that he hadn't played since November and was only in the side because Adam Federici was injured.
"McCarthy had a worldie. The point blank save from Daniel Sturridge towards the end of the first half was excellent. In the second half the stops he pulled off to deny Steven Gerrard and Luis Suarez were world class. How he held on to that late strike from Suarez I really don't know.
"When Suarez did find a way past him early on, Chris Gunter was there to head off the line.
"Football can be a weird game and you don't always get what you deserve."
There are now five games remaining for Liverpool this season and Aldridge insists it remains crucial they finish on a positive note.
He added: "We've got some big games left to play and we need to finish on a high to ensure everyone goes into the summer optimistic about what could be achieved next season."
Meanwhile, Aldridge was in attendance as Anfield hosted the Hillsborough Memorial Service on Monday on the 24th anniversary of the disaster and was once again left moved by the show of the support for the families.
He wrote: "April 15 is always the saddest day of the year for me and I was at Anfield for the memorial service on the 24th anniversary of Hillsborough.
"Both John W Henry and Bill Kenwright spoke brilliantly and it was great to see such a huge turnout. It was a massive show of strength for the families of the 96.
"Finally, things are happening now with the publication of the panel's report last September a big step forward, but it's one where you can't rejoice.
"Everyone can see the finishing line but we have to keep on going to get the families where they should be. We still need to get justice."