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Andrew Hankinson

Newcastle United comparison made in Everton relegation warning

Gabriel Agbonlahor has compared Everton to the Newcastle United side of 2009 and warned that the Toffees could be dragged into the relegation battle.

Everton have not had a league win since the beginning of December and parted ways with manager Rafa Benitez, who was replaced by caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson.

However, the rot has continued, with a 1-0 loss at home to Aston Villa, leaving Everton 16th in the table, just four points above the relegation zone and 18th-place Newcastle United.

Speaking on TalkSPORT, Agbonlahor, who used to play for Villa, warned Everton that big players will not necessarily keep them up, and drew a comparison with the Newcastle team which was relegated in 2009.

As reported by the Liverpool Echo, Agbonlahor said: “I think [Ferguson] will look at his squad of players and they’ve got enough for me to stay up.

"But they need to be getting points because you have seen big teams with quality players still get relegated.

"That Newcastle side that went down with Alan Smith, Nicky Butt, Kevin Nolan, that team went down with great players.

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"They need a win as soon as possible, their next game, they need three points. Tough games, no game is easy in the Premier League.

“Watford probably thought on Friday night, ‘Yeah, this is a game we will get our clean sheet, we beat Norwich and we go up the table.’ Nope, you lose 3-0.

"There's no guaranteed wins in this league anymore and if I am an Everton fan, I am nervous.

"They need Richarlison to start getting the goals. Calvert-Lewin: they need him up to speed. They need Demarai Gray and Townsend scoring, Doucoure.

"It's scary down there. Say if they lose to Newcastle or lose to Leeds, it's giving them three points to catch you up, nervous times for Everton fans.”

Newcastle’s next match will be against Everton at St James’ Park on February 8.

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