Lee Dixon said on Wednesday evening "Defenders these days only think about themselves.
"I have asked many what they see as their priority on the pitch and 90% talk about breaking down the wing or play in the opponent's half of the field.
"Priority for a defender should be to keep the ball out of the back of the net!"
Jamaal Lascelles said that last week.
Lascelles said: “We’ve set a marker now. We need to hold this position, but, at the same time, we don’t want to get carried away. We’ve still got to take every game step by step.
“We’ll be preparing for the next game like we normally do.”
Newcastle have kept five clean sheets away from home this season. And Lascelles believes the club’s defending starts from the front.
Asked about the defensive record, he said: “As a centre-half, that’s my job – keeping clean sheets. Collectively, as a team, everyone’s playing their part.
“(Karl) Darlow was unbelievable (against Barnsley). He made some great catches and saves. The boys are working hard as a unit. We all know our roles.
“Before the game, we knew it was going to be tough.
“Barnsley on a Tuesday night is not an easy place. The style of football they played is quite difficult. It was difficult break them down.
“In fairness to them, we didn’t really create much. Our talent and hard work came through at the end.”
Dwight Gayle scored both United’s goals to take his tally for the season to 11.
“It’s always nice when the strikers are banging them in like that,” said Lascelles.
“At the same time, he’s getting great deliveries from midfield – everyone’s playing a part.
“Dwight’s up there to do that and he’s doing his job. He’s got to keep his feet on the floor and keep working hard.”