Source: Daily_Mail
It's all over: Benitez admits title is out of reach for Liverpool after Boro defeat
Rafael Benitez all but conceded the Premier League title to Sir Alex Ferguson last night when he declared: 'It is for Manchester Unitedto lose.' The Liverpoolmanager blamed a shock 2-0 defeat at struggling Middlesbroughon a string of missed opportunities. Crying shame: Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard removes his armband as he leaves the field Rafa puts new deals for players on hold until his future is resolvedMiddlesbrough 2 Liverpool 0: Tuncay terminates Reds' title hopesMiddlesbrough v Liverpool: How the game unfoldedLIVERPOOL FC: All the latest news from across the webMIDDLESBROUGH FC: All the latest news from across the web'We had five great chances in the first half-hour and missed them,' he said. 'We had some problems with injuries and tired players. I said before the game it would be difficult to win the title - now it is even more difficult.' Liverpool's defeat dropped them to third behind Chelseaon goal difference, seven points behind United, who still have a game in hand on their two nearest rivals. Benitez's team must raise their game and beat Sunderlandon Tuesday to have any realistic chance of staying in touch with United, who travel to face Newcastleon Wednesday. Killer blow: Pepe Reina can't keep the ball out Sir Alex Ferguson, whose United team play Tottenhamin the Carling Cup final at Wembley this afternoon, was able to give the Premier League a miss but the odds on his team's chances of a third successive title shortened even more after Liverpool became Middlesbrough's first Premier League victims since November 9. An own goal by Xabi Alonso - the first score for the Teessiders in 526 minutes of action - and a second from Tuncay left Liverpool, who looked a pale shadow of the side who emerged as midweek winners at Real Madrid, bewildered and demoralised. Missed opportunities: Steven Gerrard (right) watches his shot go wide Benitez added: 'I don't know what Manchester Unitedwill do in their remaining games, but obviously it is going to be difficult for us if they don't slip up. You must score goals if you want to win titles. We have had problems killing teams off. 'Now we must see what happens against Sunderlandon Tuesday.' Middlesbroughmanager Gareth Southgate, grateful for the win as they battle relegation, backed United, insisting: 'They have a seven-point advantage and it will be difficult for any team to catch them. I've stressed the importance to my players of keeping clean sheets but United do that better than anybody.' Rafa puts new deals for players on hold until his future is resolvedMiddlesbrough 2 Liverpool 0: Tuncay terminates Reds' title hopesMiddlesbrough v Liverpool: How the game unfoldedLIVERPOOL FC: All the latest news from across the webMIDDLESBROUGH FC: All the latest news from across the web