Brighton & Hove Albion have been left to feel the aftermath of Dan Burn's departure while Newcastle celebrate. The Seagulls have conceded ten goals in the month of February, a month after the 29-year-old made the move back to the North East.
In contrast, Newcastle have conceded just twice since Burn's arrival, once against Everton and another against West Ham United. Burn, of course, was not available for selection in Newcastle's win over the Toffees, which makes his clean sheet ratio even more impressive.
The Blyth-born centre-half has kept a clean sheet in two of his three appearances for Eddie Howe's side. A stark improvement on Newcastle's leaky defence prior to the turn of the year.
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Brighton, on the other hand, have kept just one clean sheet in that time and have conceded two goals in every game since Burn's departure, if you exclude their win over Watford on February 12. The Magpies are unbeaten in their last seven games, winning four of their last five. Tougher tests may lie on the horizon for the Toon, but you cannot underestimate their ability to win against sides around them in the relegation battle.
Howe's side host the Seagulls at St James' Park this weekend and will be looking to capitalise on their poor defensive form. A win against Brighton and then Southampton, would put further distance between themselves and the bottom three, taking a huge step towards consolidating their Premier League position for next season.
Burn himself has been praised himself for becoming the 'figurehead' Newcastle were missing at the back.
