Rafa Benitez says Everton were wrong to ask supporters to rate Sam Allardyce's performance as manager - even though he agrees on very little with his opposite number.

The Toffees boss has found an unlikely ally in Benitez, who he faces on Monday at Goodison Park with Everton just one point and one place above Newcastle.

Allarydce was not happy when his club asked a fan panel to give him a mark out of 10 earlier this week, later receiving an apology from chairman Bill Kenwright.

L-R: Martin Dubravka, DeAndre Yedlin, Mikel Merino, Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie and Islam Slimani pose for a photo during Newcastle's latest training session on Friday afternoon

Slimani (C) looks to pass the ball during Newcaslte's training session on Friday afternoon

Jamaal Lascelles looks for a pass as he trains with his Newcastle team-mates on Friday

Jonjo Shelvey controls the ball as he takes part in Newcastle training on Friday afternoon

And Benitez said: 'It was a massive mistake. I don't agree with him on a lot of things, but on this one it is obvious it was a mistake.

'You cannot be talking about that, especially when things are not going so well. It makes no sense, the club were wrong.'

A fifth straight victory for Newcastle will take them above Everton into ninth, and Benitez believes the Merseysiders should be performing way better.

Dwight Gayle attempts to control the ball as training continues on a sunny day in Newcastle

Matt Ritchie passes the ball with some skill as Newcastle prepare for their next league match

Goalkeeper Karl Darlow looks to throw the ball into play during Friday's training session

Rafa Bentiez says Everton made a 'massive mistake' by asking fans to rate Sam Allardyce

'Everton are miles away from us in terms of investment,' he said.

'There are not similarities (between the clubs). They finished seventh last year. There is a massive difference between teams already in the Premier League and those promoted.

'They already have the money from the TV and are able to attract players. We need to improve to compete, to be consistent in terms of where we want to be.'