Rio Ferdinand claims that Newcastle United will be “looking over their shoulder” in the fight to avoid relegation.
The Magpies suffered a 2-1 defeat to Leeds United in the Premier League on Tuesday night, with Miguel Almiron’s goal failing to cancel out strikes from Raphinha and Jack Harrison.
It was Newcastle’s sixth consecutive defeat and only increases the pressure on manager Steve Bruce, as the battle to avoid slipping into the bottom three continues.
Speaking to BT Sport after the game, Ferdinand believes that Newcastle are in the middle of relegation form, and need to change that quickly if they want to avoid dropping further down the table.
“At the moment, you look at their form - two points from the last 27 points available - that’s relegation form,” Ferdinand told BT Sport.
“They have got a cushion, teams have got games in-hand around them so we’ll have to see how that pans out, but their form isn’t great, so they’re definitely looking over their shoulder.”
Former Southampton star Francis Benali has also expressed his worry for Newcastle, and has doubts over whether Bruce will be in charge for their next game against Everton.
“It’s almost a flip of a coin, really, “ said Benali, when asked if Bruce will be in charge for the Everton game.
“The pressure really cranks up now with another defeat. 22 shots in this game, but only five on target and it’s another defeat which isn’t gonna help him.”
