Wins at home against Cardiff City and Plymouth Argyle were backed up with the New Year’s Day victory at Millwall, before the winning streak was put to an end at Deepdale.
Ruben Rodrigues gave United the lead when he took advantage of an error by Lilywhites goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, but Will Keane levelled for North End when he headed in from close range.
We had a look at the key talking points from the game.
Centre backs stand out at Deepdale
The U’s started the match with Sam Long alongside Ciaron Brown in a back four, and both were rock solid amid some strong Preston pressure.
Just before the hour mark, right back Peter Kioso was forced off with injury, so Rowett tweaked things at the back.
United switched to a system with three centre halves, with Long and Brown either side of Jordan Thorniley, who replaced Kioso.
It was Thorniley’s first league appearance of the season, but he was outstanding at the heart of the backline.
The U’s defence had to do its fair share of mopping up, but did so brilliantly, and the statistics back that up.
Thorniley won five aerial duels despite only being on the pitch for a little over half an hour, while Brown and Long won three each.
Long topped the list for clearances, making 10 in total, while Brown made seven and Thorniley made three.
It was a dogged display from the three centre backs, and their grittiness ensured United were able to claim a point.
Subtle change of shape
The U’s lined up in the 4-2-3-1 system favoured by Rowett so far, but it was noticeable how deep Matt Phillips was when United didn’t have the ball.
The 33-year-old slotted in at right wing back, with Kioso shifting infield slightly. On the other side, Greg Leigh was the left wing back.
It meant the U’s were playing a 5-2-3, with Tyler Goodrham and Ruben Rodrigues in support of the centre forward, whether that was Mark Harris who started, or Dane Scarlett when he replaced the injured Harris early on.
The tactic without possession was clear. Be tough to break down and provide a threat on the break.
Injuries creeping in
United were already without skipper Elliott Moore for the trip to Deepdale due to a groin strain, but then lost both the aforementioned Harris and Kioso to injury in Lancashire.
There didn’t seem to be much in the way of panic with regard to the above three injuries, but the U’s will keen to avoid any further blows.
With no midweek game and Exeter City away next in the third round of the Emirates FA Cup, hopefully there is enough recovery time for those with knocks.