This is not the first time Newcastle have led the Premiership at Christmas. In 1995 they were ten points clear but lost a pivotal game on the 27th to future champions Manchester United. None of the Newcastle team on that day is currently a first choice, though both Lee and Barton have figured in the side this season

With their win over Leeds they became the first team in the Premiership this season to record four consecutive victories

Without the distraction of European football, Newcastle have had the luxury of turning out their best side regularly in the league. They lead the league both with eleven players having 12 or more starts and having the most frequent starting lineup - which has appeared together on six occasions

Dyer is now first choice on his return from long-term injury and recorded the second three-assist game of his career against Leeds. He additionally scored a goal in the 8-0 drubbing of Sheffield Wednesday

Robert and Lee have also achieved the feat this season as Newcastle account for three of the six assist hat-tricks in the Premiership. Four Chelsea players; Di Matteo, Petrescu, Wise and Zola (twice) performed as well in 1995/6

Although sending out a starting lineup which has averaged almost £42 milion;,this only places the club fifth in the league this year and behind the previous all-time record of their 1999/00 side, which featured Duncan Ferguson

Of the last 17 open play goals by the team, Alan Shearer accounts for just one

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