Everton issued relegation warning after latest defeat as former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor insists the Toffees can go down ‘like Newcastle did’ in 2009 | Top stories

Things look very bleak for Everton after their latest loss which left them looking over their shoulders in concern.

A 1-0 loss to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa saw the Toffees record a fourth defeat in five – they now sit 16th in the Premier League table, just four points clear of last-placed Newcastle. relegation.

Following the dismissal of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez after just half a season, club legend Duncan Ferguson has been hired as caretaker manager for the second time.

Although loved by the fans, his impact was not immediate and he expressed concerns about being dragged into a relegation battle.

“I’m definitely worried about the results, we’re slipping there,” he told talkSPORT after the loss to Villa.

“So, am I worried? I don’t think I would say that, but I’m certainly concerned about where we are in the standings, I think we have to be, right? »

Crunch matches now arrive after the Premier League’s winter break.

Ferguson will be hoping for positive results as the Toffees take on Brentford, Newcastle and Leeds in their next three games.

Given the quality of the club, the threat of relegation may soon be lessened.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now back from injury and is the club’s most prolific finisher. Alongside him is a quality raft in the form of Richarlison, Demarai Gray, Andros Townsend and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

That said, just because the club have the best players doesn’t mean they can’t go down, as former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has compared the club’s current situation to a past situation at Newcastle.

In 2009, the Toon Army were relegated to the Championship, ending their 16-year stay in the top flight despite outstanding talents such as multiple title-winning midfielder Nicky Butt, former Liverpool striker and Real Madrid’s Michael Owen and Premier League icon. Kevin Nolan.

“I think he’ll be worried, but I think he’ll be watching his team of players and they’ve had enough to keep me up,” the 35-year-old said on talkSPORT’s GameDay – Your Verdict.

“But they have to score points because you’ve seen great teams with quality players always relegated.

“That Newcastle team that lost Alan Smith, Nicky Butt, Kevin Nolan, that team lost great players.

“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: ‘Yes, this is a game where we will have our clean sheet, we beat Norwich and we go up the table’, no, you lose 3-0.

“There are no more guaranteed wins in this league and if I’m an Everton fan I’m nervous.

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

“It’s scary there, let’s say if they lose to Newcastle or to Leeds it gives them three points to catch up with you, nervous times for Everton fans.”