Newcastle United are the team to beat in this season's Championship but of course, many could have told you that at the start of the campaign.

Rafa Benitez's side came into the second-division as title favourites and barring a couple of blips along the way, they've very much lived up to expectations as the season has progressed.

And after a handy 2-1 away win against Burton Albion on Saturday, Newcastle are now a point clear at the top of the table and looking good going into the New Year.

It was a result that very much highlighted what Newcastle have been about this campaign, ruthless and consistent, picking up points even when they're not at their best.

Burton might have been worth a draw on another day but this time, all three points went back to the North East.

So with all this in mind, here's 3 things we learned from Newcastle's 2-1 win over Burton on Saturday...

Dwight Gayle's goalscoring form continues

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He's a massive player for Newcastle United and after paying £10million for him this summer, the pressure was on Dwight Gayle to perform.

And he's done just that and his goal in the win over Burton means he's now scored 17 goals already this campaign for the Toon.

The likes of Mitrovic, Perez and Murphy have all had to sit on the bench whilst the former Palace man hits goal-after-goal and it's clear his ability to hit the back of the net will be crucial in Newcastle's promotion push.

Jonjo Shelvey continues to pull strings in midfield

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Whilst Dwight Gayle's goals upfront have been a massive part of Newcastle's success this season, Jonjo Shelvey is having arguably his best season under Rafa Benitez.

He's a man that gets on the teamsheet week-after-week, despite the extensive quality the Toon have in their reserves and after another commanding display against the Brewers, he's more than deserving of the praise he continues to reap.

Burton need to take their chances

Burton sit 21st in the Championship table but at times this season, a lot of their play has been far better than their league position suggests.

They played well against top-of-the-table Newcastle but had Lucas Akins taken his chance when his side went 2-1 down, things might have been very different. Paul Dummett made a fantastic goal-line clearance but if Burton are to preserve their Championship status, they really need to put their chances away.

Especially against the top teams in the division.