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Chelsea missed the chance to move clear at the top of the Premier League after being held to a frustrating goalless draw by Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea dominated throughout, swarming midfield and retaining possession with ease as Newcastle struggled to gain a foothold in the match. But Luiz Felipe Scolari's men could find no way past the resolute visitors.

On nine minutes Florent Malouda chipped a fine ball into the path of Frank Lampard, but his header across goal was well saved by Shay Given.

Soon after Jose Bosingwa bombed forward, but Damien Duff slid in to dispossess the full-back on the edge of the Newcastle box.

Malouda was next to threaten, collecting a pass from Deco and ghosting past Fabricio Coloccini and into the box. But his shot under pressure was weak and Given gathered with ease.

Chelsea's best chance of the opening period fell to Ashley Cole just after the half-hour mark. Bosingwa was the architect, curling a fine ball in from the right to find the England full-back unmarked at the far post. Cole could only head the ball back across goal, however, and once again Newcastle survived.

The second half continued on a similar theme. Chelsea had a monopoly on possession and goal-scoring chances, but still the breakthrough eluded them.

On 52 minutes Joe Cole reacted quickest after Anelka's shot was parried by Given, but much to Chelsea's chagrin his tap-in was ruled out for offside against Anelka earlier in the move.

The home side were appealing again 10 minutes later, when Given caught a Lampard free-kick and fell backwards towards the line. The Chelsea players thought the ball had gone in, but replays were inconclusive.

Lampard and Deco both tried their luck from free-kicks, but both found a solid Newcastle wall in their way.

Newcastle barely created anything, but Joe Kinnear - who was awarded another month-long deal after the match - can only have been impressed by his team's defensive concentration and their ability to frustrate Chelsea.

Habib Beye in particular impressed in defence, with Nicky Butt his usual tenacious self in midfield. Michael Owen, returning from injury, was virtually anonymous, but in truth the striker was given precious little to feed on.

Will Tidey / Eurosport