Following the 1-1 draw with Middlesbrough at Old Trafford last night, the Blues had the opportunity to close the gap at the top to one point, but failed miserably at St James' Park.
It ended up goalless as Newcastle keeper Steve Harper did not have a shot to save against a disappointing Chelsea side that has never won this fixture during the Jose Mourinho reign and saw a run of nine successive wins come to an end.
Newcastle have now gone four home games without a goal, but had their chances, but not quite the finishing.
As for Chelsea, a Joe Cole opportunity was put wide by the substitute in the dying seconds - a period that has proved very productive for Mourinho's side during this campaign.
But in fairness to Newcastle, who have not lost at home to any of the top four this season, they never looked losing out in this game.
The first half was instantly forgettable with Obafemi Martins having a shot deflected wide, while Chelsea lost Michael Ballack early with an ankle injury and he may be doubtful for a couple of weeks.
Steven Taylor was magnificent at the heart of the Newcastle defence and further enhanced his already growing reputation as he kept Didier Drogba firmly in his pocket throughout.
The second half was a total transformation with Newcastle pulling the strings against the champions.
Good work by Salomon Kalou set up an early chance for the disappointing Frank Lampard, but he was unable to keep his close-range shot down.
Petr Cech then came to Chelsea's rescue on the hour mark following good work from the tireless Emre, who picked out Nicky Butt to slip in Kieron Dyer, who despite appearing marginally offside was allowed to continue and had his drive turned behind.
Antoine Sibierski sent a looping header from the hard-working James Milner over the bar, while Chelsea struggled to conjure up much at the other end.
Newcastle sent on young striker Andy Carroll for the injured Sibierski and he caused problems two minutes from time with a low cross that Michael Essien managed to back-heel clear.
Then came Chelsea's best chance when Paulo Ferreira whipped in a cross from the right that Cole diverted just wide of the far post.