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Newcastle hold Chelsea to valuable draw

22/11/2008

Newcastle United gained a vital point away to Chelsea that could have significance at both ends of the table at the end of the season.

The 0-0 draw did little to help the Blues' title aspirations and they were left to rue a number of missed opportunities.

Joe Cole had a goal disallowed for offside while Chelsea tried to claim that Magpies goalkeeper Shay Given had carried a Frank Lampard free-kick over the line but it was to no avail.

Newcastle arrived at Stamford Bridge determined to defend what they started with an succeed in restricting the chances that Chelsea created, though it meant they offered little threat themselves.

Florent Malouda set up Lampard early on but his header was spectacularly saved by Given who tipped it over the bar.

Malouda then broke into the Magpies' box but could not find the finish that his mazy run deserved.

Nicolas Anelka was working tirelessly despite having little room for manoeuvre as Newcastle packed the penalty area.

His cross found Branislav Ivanovic in the box but the defender's header went over the bar from close-range.

Jose Bosingwa and then set up fellow full-back Ashley Cole but his header at the far post was also not on target.

The chances in a frustrating half for the Blues seemed to be falling to the wrong people and it happened again just before the interval when Ivanovic again headed off target from Lampard's free-kick.

In the second half Chelsea got closer but could not find a way past given. Anelka saw another shot saved by the Irishman before Cole's attempt was ruled out.

Given had saved another shot, this time from Malouda, but could not hold on to the ball. Cole followed it in but was adjudged to have been offside when the Frenchman had his initial strike.

Chelsea thought they had finally scored when Given had to scramble back to stop Lampard's shot going in but the officials could not see enough to definitely award to goal.

The draw represents Chelsea's third game in four matches that they have failed to win at home.