United relief as Chelsea are held at Newcastle

LONDON, Apr 22 (Reuters) Chelsea missed their chance to slash Manchester United's lead in the Premier League to a single point today when they were held to a 0-0 draw at Newcastle United.

Manchester United handed the initiative to Chelsea after drawing 1-1 at home with Middlesbrough yesterday and will breathe a huge sigh of relief at the champions' scrappy draw at St James' Park.

With four games left to play United are top on 82 points while Chelsea, who will host Alex Ferguson's men in a potential title decider at Stamford Bridge on May 9, have 79.

Neither Newcastle nor Chelsea created any clearcut scoring chances today, with the hosts's defence keeping a tight rein on the Chelsea attack led by Didier Drogba.

REUTERS BJR RAI2051