Is Today The Day Liverpool's Title Challenge Died

An Alonso own-goal and a second from Tuncay saw Middlesbrough earn a much needed 3 points today against Liverpool. It is Middlesbrough first win since their victory over Aston Villa on 9th November.

Liverpool remain 7 points behind Man United who did not play in the Premier League today, because of the Carling Cup Final tomorrow. Liverpool have now also played an extra game and lost second place to Chelsea took who are on an equal 55 points after their 2-1 win over Wigan.

Middlesbrough do seem to save their best performances for the games against the top teams.

Liverpool's title challenge seems to have petered out, before March. With Torres side lines, there is a lack of credibility about Liverpool's attacking options.

Has Liverpool's title challenge been ended today by Middlesbrough or can they still push United all the way? Will Liverpool finish above Chelsea and Aston Villa now? Will this affect Benitez's contract negotiations?

Friday Transfer News

Hull have concluded the signing of Jimmy Bullard for £5m on a four and a half year contract.

Villa have signed Emile Heskey for £3.5m from Wigan. Heskey was out of contract in the summer and looked doubtful to stay at Wigan.

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has said that he is no where near close to signing Chelsea's Carlo Cudicini; but did not deny his interest.

Big Sam has re-stated his determination to keep hold of Roque Santa Cruz. He also said that a loan deal for Eidur Gudjohnsen is looking unlikely.

Rafa Benitez has said he is not looking to sign any one before the end of the January window.

Palacios Has Medical At Spurs

Tottenham are poised to sign Wilson Palacios for £14m from Wigan, the player has undergone a medical today.

The addition to Palacios into the Spurs Midfield begs the question who is going to make way. According to SkySports.Com, Tottenham already have 15 registered midfielders, not including Gareth Bale and Ledley King who have are also capable of playing there. Admittedly a number of these are in the young and untried bracket, but Harry Redknapp has a lot of people vying for a spot in midfield now.

I speculated when Tottenham signed Defoe that it could mean Jermaine Jenas would be the odd man out. Since then, Inter have been linked, though Jose has dismissed this as an untruth based on the fact that he picked JJ in his DT Dream Team.