The 'positive signs' for Newcastle United ahead of Crystal Palace

The clean sheet that Eddie Howe’s fourth-placed side kept last weekend was their fifth in a row in the top flight – a feat the club has never achieved before. The last time it happened had been in the Championship between August and September 2009.

Newcastle have conceded just 11 goals this season – and that’s the best record in the Premier League.

Asked about the clean sheet record, head coach Howe said: “It's been the hallmark of our success, really, this season to this point. We've had a group that has given everything not to concede as a first port of call before you talk about our attacking play.

“You've got centre-forwards who have worked very hard, you've got wide men who have really supported and helped their full-backs, and that really runs through the team, and that was evident (against Fulham). As a team, we defended very well, and if you can defend well, it gives you a chance to win any game.”

The Fulham game was decided by an 89th-minute strike from substitute Alexander Isak, who was making his first league appearance since September.

And the signs are “positive” ahead of Saturday’s game away to Crystal Palace.

“We kept to good principles,” said Howe. “I don't think we deviated, we didn't panic. We didn't shoot from long distance, we didn't get edgy in our play.

“The players deserve a lot of credit for continuing to do the right things as chances went begging. Our statistics from that game will be very good, so all positive signs.”