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General Sports News

Rafa admits title difficulty

Author: Sir David Smith
Date: 01/03/2009

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has admitted the Premier League title is Manchester United's to lose after his side lost more ground on the leaders.

The Reds' shock 2-0 defeat at relegation threatened Middlesbrough on Saturday boosted United's grip on the title according to betting pundits, as they are now seven points clear with an additional game in hand.

Bolton Wanderers have confirmed that manager Gary Megson has agreed a new rolling contract with the club.

Speaking before Sunday's clash with Newcastle United, chairman Phil Gartside revealed that Megson had penned a new deal with the Trotters.

Arsene Wenger has admitted he is becoming concerned at the possibility of Arsenal missing out on qualification for the Champions League.

Saturday's 0-0 draw with Fulham at the Emirates Stadium left the Gunners five points adrift of Aston Villa in fourth place, having played a game more.

In rugby union, team manager Martin Johnson admitted indiscipline is costing his England side dearly after Saturday's 14-13 defeat to Ireland in Dublin.

Danny Care and Phil Vickery were sin-binned at Croke Park to take England's tally of yellow cards to five from their three games so far.

Johnson was also furious with the lack of discipline in his ranks after England conceded 18 penalties in the narrow defeat.

Meanwhile, Ireland coach Declan Kidney believes his players have the mental toughness required to win this year's Six Nations after they maintained their 100 per cent start to the competition.

In cricket, Steve Harmison is seeking talks with England captain Andrew Strauss after being left out of the fourth Test against West Indies.

The fast bowler was overlooked in favour of Ryan Sidebottom for the current game against in Barbados and now wants Strauss to clarify his international future ahead of the final Test, which begins on March 6.

On the pitch, West Indies avoided the follow-on on day three at the Kensington Oval after passing the 400-mark for the loss of just five wickets.

Paul Casey believes he is in some of the best form of his career after reaching the final of golf's WGC-Accenture Match Play in Arizona.

Casey got the better of fellow Englishman Ross Fisher to set up a final meeting with Australian Geoff Ogilvy on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Luke Donald has allayed fears off a serious injury after pulling out of the event on Friday.

The Ryder Cup star withdrew from his quarter-final against Ernie Els after feeling pain in the wrist which caused him to miss six months of action last year.

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