PEPE REINA had an absolute shocker as he gifted Leicester the simplest of openers at the King Power Stadium.
The veteran Aston Villa stopper, 37, raced off his line in a bid to stop the Foxes winger from getting on the end of Marc Albrighton’s lofted through ball.
Reina took a gamble – and it didn’t pay off as Leicester scoredCredit: PA:Empics Sport
But Spanish stopper Reina got it all wrong as Barnes flicked the ball past him and coolly slotted the ball into an empty net to give the hosts the lead.
All the while, former Liverpool goalkeeper Reina was left flailing at thin air.
In fact, the Spaniard got it so wrong, he was miles outside of the TV shot by the time Barnes stroked the ball over the line.
The goal gave Leicester – currently sitting third in the Premier League – an important lead as they bid to keep their spot in the Champions League places.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa were plunged into further despair, as the Carabao Cup runners-up still sit 19th in the top-flight, starting relegation in the face.
Despite that, fans were quick to mock Reina on Twitter, with one user saying: “Pepe Reina deserves a Best Acting Performance Oscar.
“He’s tricked us all into thinking he’s a goalkeeper not far past his prime for the last two months.
Another wrote: “Pepe Reina… my guy…. where do you think you’re going??”
A third suggested Orjan Nyland deserves the spot between the sticks, adding: “Nyland>Reina won’t tell you again.”
Even Gary Lineker got in on the act, writing: “Great finish from @harveybarnes97 and very considerate of Pepe Reina to help.”
Reina looked distraught after his howler gave Leicester the leadCredit: Reuters
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
