For those Newcastle United fans who fear history is repeating itself and the Magpies are heading for the drop just as they were in 2008-09 then the following statistic offers no comfort at all: John Carver has a worse Premier League points-per-game ratio than Alan Shearer did. In the eight games Shearer oversaw at the end of the relegation season of 2008-09, he managed five points - while Carver has taken just eight from 15 matches this campaign. That means that Shearer's point-per-game record actually shades Carver at 0.625 compared to the current Newcastle boss' 0.6. The difference is so minimal that it is hardly significant in terms of comparing their abilities as managers, but it certainly highlights the perilous position the Magpies find themselves in. If Carver's points-per-game record was extended to the entire season then Newcastle would finish with just 23 points - three less than current basement boys Burnley have. In addition, the similarities between how Newcastle finished the season in 2008-09 and how they are ending their campaign in 2014-15 are becoming frighteningly similar - and following Hull City's victory over Liverpool on Tuesday night the likelihood of the Magpies being relegated has increased. For Shearer, his solitary victory as Magpies boss came against Middlesbrough (3-1), while he also secured draws against Stoke City (1-1) and Portsmouth (0-0) - but suffered defeats to Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Fulham and Aston Villa. Carver meanwhile has had just two victories as boss, over Hull City (3-0) and Aston Villa (1-0), and three draws - against Burnley (3-3), Stoke City (1-1) and Crystal Palace (1-1). The other 10 Premier League matches have ended in defeats - including the last seven in a row - and the interim head coach was even in charge for the Magpies' 1-0 FA Cup third-round loss at Leicester City. For the sake of Newcastle United, and John Carver, they must avenge their FA Cup defeat at the King Power Stadium - and secure their Premier League status for another season. Then Carver's record will certainly make for better reading than Shearer's... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.