Chelsea 0 Newcastle Utd 0:Chelsea squandered a great chance to pull clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League as stubborn Newcastle held them to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea dominated the game but could not find a way to break the deadlock as goalkeeper Shay Given saved superbly to deny Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole went agonisingly close with a header.

But Newcastle, who failed to trouble Chelsea keeper Petr Cech all afternoon, held on for a deserved point.

Magpuies boss Joe Kinnear revealed afterwards that owner Mike Ashley had asked him to remain at the helm for a further month.

"The deal was to be in charge until the club was sold and nothing has changed since then to be honest," said Kinnear.

"But I have been informed that I am here for another month and that will bring us up to the transfer window. So if I can twist his arm and get a few quid out of him, I can buy a couple of players.

"Mike told me I would be here for another month on Friday. The club has not got a buyer yet but people are talking to them. So far, nobody has come up with the cash.

"Mike said they were Americans but the offer they made was well below his estimation of what the club was worth."

Chelsea should have taken the lead in the seventh minute but Shay Given made a tremendous save to prevent Frank Lampard from scoring.

Florent Malouda created a fine opening in the 16th minute when he left Fabricio Coloccini flatfooted and burst into the penalty area. However, Given was equal to the task and dived low to his right to prevent the Frenchman's shot from hitting the net.

Newcastle's first attempt on goal arrived in the 20th minute through Jonas. But his right-foot volley failed to trouble Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech.

Chelsea continued to dominate with Deco and Joe Cole pulling the strings in midfield. But Deco's accuracy was found wanting in the 28th minute when his right-foot shot from 25 yards fell at least a yard wide of the upright.

The Portugal midfielder almost made up for it two minutes later but Lampard just failed to connect properly with his sublime chip into the penalty area.

In the 31st minute Ashley Cole sent a header inches wide of the far post after a curling cross from Jose Bosingwa had beaten the United defence.

Deco supplied another quality through-ball for Joe Cole two minutes later but the England international just failed to apply the finishing touch as Given raced out to save.

Seconds later it was Ivanovic's turn to miss a gilt-edged chance when a free-kick from Lampard found him unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box.

The Chelsea defender sent his header flashing beyond the far post with Given flat-footed.

Newcastle had failed to test Petr Cech and apart from the occasional counter-attack, Joe Kinnear's side looked devoid of ideas.

Chelsea meanwhile continued to press forward but Deco was well wide of the target when he tried to surprise Given with a 30-yard drive two minutes before the interval.

Anelka was unlucky not to put Chelsea in front in the 48th minute when he got on the end of Lampard's pass but his angled drive hit the chest of Given.

Chelsea had a goal ruled out for offside in the 54th minute. Lampard's through-ball allowed Malouda to fire in a shot which Given could only half-stop.

The loose ball was seized upon by Joe Cole who bundled it over the line from an offside position.

Moments later another superb move from the home side saw Joe Cole and Anelka combine to set up Lampard.

The England midfielder burst into the penalty area but curled his shot just the wrong side of the upright to United's relief.

Lampard then tried his luck from 35 yards but Given dealt with his bouncing shot comfortably.

Substitute Michael Ballack, on for Joe Cole, shot into the side-netting in the 89th minute as Chelsea's frustration mounted.

But for all Chelsea's efforts they could not find a way through United's defence and had to settle for a point.