Ranieri tells defense to tighten up after draw with Derby

LONDON — Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri called on his leaky defense to plug the holes after they rescued a late draw in their FA Cup fourth round clash against second tier Derby County on Friday. The Premier League champions were five minutes from exiting the cup but staved off embarrassment thanks to captain Wes Morgan's late header that rescued a 2-2 draw. It was another awkward evening for Leicester's rearguard, who were the backbone of their stunning title victory last season, but were breached twice before halftime against Derby. "We have to concentrate. Too many times we concede. We can only work and be more focused," Ranieri told the BBC. Leicester took the lead with a woeful own goal from Darren Bent, who then drew Derby level with a precise header at the other end. Craig Bryson put the hosts ahead as he carved an easy path through the Leicester defense five minutes before halftime. It was another example of how porous Leicester's backline has become. Ranieri's side have conceded 37 league goals in 22 games this season, having let in one fewer in the whole of their title winning campaign in 2015/16. For Derby's former England manager Steve McClaren it was a missed opportunity. "We did everything we could, we came across a team who were at it tonight," he said. "Our character was fantastic, we dug in in the second half and (Derby keeper) Scott Carson made some saves when we needed him to." Arsenal's Wenger given four-match touchline ban Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been given a four-match touchline ban after admitting a Football Association (FA) misconduct charge for appearing to push the fourth official during their Premier League win over Burnley on Sunday. Wenger was charged by the FA on Monday after he was sent to the stands by the referee for allegedly using abusive or insulting language towards fourth official Anthony Taylor after an injury-time penalty was awarded to Burnley. "It was further alleged that following his dismissal from the technical area, his behavior in remaining in the tunnel area and making physical contact with the fourth official amounted to improper conduct," the FA said in a statement on Friday. "The Arsenal manager, who was also fined 25,000 pounds ($31,342), admitted the charge and requested a personal hearing which took place before an Independent Regulatory Commission today (Friday)." Wenger reacted angrily after Burnley were awarded a 93rd-minute penalty at the Emirates Stadium, one they scored to level at 1-1. He was sent to the stands by referee Jon Moss, but stood in the tunnel entrance and refused to move as he tried to watch the remainder of the game. Taylor appeared to encourage Wenger to move away, but the Frenchman was seen pushing back against him. Arsenal snatched a winner at the death when they were awarded a penalty of their own, which was converted by Alexis Sanchez. Arsenal travel to face Southampton in the fourth round of the FA Cup on Saturday, before they host Watford in the Premier League three days later. The other matches Wenger will miss are league encounters away to Chelsea on Feb. 4 and at home to Hull City a week later. He will return to the dugout should Arsenal reach the FA Cup fifth round or for their Premier League trip to Liverpool on March 4. — Reuters