Burnley boss Sean Dyche hailed Joey Barton's "thirst to be successful" after the midfielder's early deflected free-kick at Preston sent Burnley back to the Sky Bet Championship summit.
The Clarets extended their unbeaten streak to 21 league games and positioned themselves above Middlesbrough and three points in front of Brighton with a 1-0 win over their Lancashire rivals at Deepdale.
Midfielder Barton's set-piece after six minutes was diverted beyond North End goalkeeper Chris Kirkland via Alan Browne's head during an opening half-hour when the Clarets ran their neighbours ragged and forced Simon Grayson to abandon his 3-5-2 formation.
Although he had a helping hand in the goal, Barton was a commanding presence in the middle of the visitors' midfield in another performance which suggested his free signing back in August was the best piece of business done in the division this season.
The 33-year-old has played at the top level with Manchester City, Newcastle and QPR and has an England cap, yet Dyche believes he arrived at Turf Moor still hungry for more.
"He was excellent and he's been excellent all round," Dyche said.
"He's still delivering and has a real thirst to be successful and he continues to be that in among a group that's got that. He's been a good example of the whole group."
The scoreline did not reflect Burnley's dominance as they also hit the frame of Kirkland's goal twice in the second period through Andre Gray and then George Boyd.
Given the fact the result also moved them above Boro and amped up the pressure on third-placed Brighton ahead of their fixtures this weekend, Dyche was delighted his team were so impressive against their neighbours.
"It's how I want the team to play - that's almost an advert for it," Dyche added.
"I used the word clarity a lot and I thought that was on show. We talk about automaticity and that's the ability to do it properly all the time.
"We do it in training so when it's a game we can deliver and we're showing good signs."
The Lilywhites' Championship status had been secured weeks ago, following their promotion from League One via the play-offs last season.
Boss Grayson thought the performance of Barton, and a unit which has now kept 18 clean sheets in the league, was an example of what his squad should strive to achieve.
"He's been a fantastic signing," Grayson added of Barton.
"He manages his game, both with the ball and without it. He shows his experience and our players are a young group, they've got to learn and will learn.
"He plays that position really well. We've got honest lads who will given everything.
"When you look at Burnley and their recovery runs, they get back into their shape. It's a learning curve and something to look at for future seasons."
Source: PA
