Liverpool's lingering Premier League title hopes virtually disappeared on Saturday when they lost 0-2 at Middlesbrough as the home side secured their first league win in 15 matches.
Liverpool's second league defeat of the season leaves them on 55 points, seven behind leaders Manchester United, who play Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup final on Sunday and now have a game in hand.
Roared on by a rare full house, Boro went ahead after 32 minutes when Stewart Downing's cross hit Xabi Alonso's thigh and flew in for an own goal.
The second came after 64 minutes when Jeremie Aliadiere escaped down the right and cut the ball back for their Turkey forward Tuncay, who calmly converted.
Morocco's Nabil El Zhar missed a sitter for the visitors when he fired over the bar from close range, while Dirk Kuyt also missed a great opportunity late on.
Both chances were created by Steven Gerrard but the midfielder, making his first start for almost a month, limped off 15 minutes from time with what appeared to be cramp.
Chelsea climbed above Liverpool into second place on goal difference after am injury-time header by Frank Lampard gave them a 2-1 home win over Wigan Athletic.
Aston Villa, fourth on 51, host Stoke City on Sunday and Arsenal's chance of catching them took another dent when they were held at home by Fulham for their fourth successive goalless Premier League draw.
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