That is Bobby Robson's message as his reborn Newcastle side continue to mature like fine wine.

A simple one-finger salute - pointing up - was Robson's response to the Toon Army as he acknowledged their cheers for his award as Carling's Manager of the Month for August just before Saturday's game against Chelsea.

His side then went on to demonstrate just how far they have grown in stature and confidence since the 67-year-old took charge for his first game, ironically against the Blues at Stamford Bridge, exactly a year ago today.

Chelsea's aristocrats took the honours that day with a 1-0 win as United struggled second from bottom.

This time there was no winner, but it was the Magpies who took the honours this time, albeit psychologically.

The Londoners have shelled out millions in pursuit of the Premiership this season, but still seem light years away from achieving their dream.

Boss Gianluca Vialli's dispirited outfit seemed happier not to lose on Saturday.

Realistically the wily Robson knows his side are not ready to be title-challengers just yet, but is content to see them continue their steady progression.

A European spot looks well within their reach, but Robson also knows Newcastle are now proving the tough proposition they should be.

"We're not a knock-over," he said after the first goalless draw at St James' Park in two years when Charlton were the visitors. "Believe me, they'll be happy with a point from this game.

"There was very little to choose between the sides. It was always going to be a sensational goal or a controversial decision by the referee, or a mistake by somebody which would turn the game and, whichever team it happened for, they were going to win.

"We got a point and we haven't looked a shade inferior to Chelsea in any shape or form over 90 minutes.

"I know we had home advantage but, for the third time in succession, we have had no goals scored against us, which is a boost to us.

"Our defence is looking much better now. The two centre-halves are really two pillars now.

"We actually had five big players Rob Lee, Didier Domi, Nikos Dabizas, Carl Cort and Christian Bassedas not available to us. "We'll be stronger all round when they come back and we will have more quality and I would say that we'll have a pretty good season without saying that we'll threaten anything."

Newcastle could still be top of the league now had they just been a touch more adventurous in a game resembling a chess match with both sides cautious and calculating.

It provided little entertainment for the crowd, Newcastle's biggest so far in their imposing and impressive stadium. Chelsea made their intentions clear by leaving the mercurial Gianfranco Zola on the bench.

The little Italian was exactly the type of creative kingpin which they desperately needed to unlock a well-organised Newcastle defence with young Irishman Aaron Hughes celebrating a new five-year deal in style with a solid performance.

He had the tough task of marshalling Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and handled the deadly Dutchman very well.

Hasselbaink went close twice, but rarely will he have so few chances in a game. He had a header over the top after 35 minutes from just four yards, with Hughes close at hand, and then out-muscled the centre-back to get a shot on goal which Shay Given blocked two minutes from time.

Apart from that, Hasselbaink was surly and sullen as his frustration increased with the Magpies defence working hard throughout. Hughes' contribution in helping his side achieve three successive clean sheets in the league for the first time since May, 1997, didn't go unnoticed as Robson said: "He's doing very well for us.

"He's not a big physical guy, he's not like Jaap Stam or Alain Goma, who incidentally is doing very well for us, but he's very sharp, he's very alert, he anticipates well, he reads the game beautifully."

At the other end, Newcastle unleashed another young gun with big, bustling Shola Ameobi making his debut as a second-half substitute.

The towering but confident 18-year-old showed little sign of nerves as he put himself about - a shove on the fiery Dennis Wise proved a memorable moment.

His strike partner Alan Shearer had a quieter game by his standards although he did go close to his 201st league goal.

His thumping header from Daniel Cordone's left-wing free-kick in the 18th minute was superbly clawed away by Chelsea keeper Carlo Cudicini.

Gary Speed almost grabbed one of the goals of the season though with a flowing move in the 64th minute that deserved to win any match.

It started with Nolberto Solano almost inside his own box, he found Laurent Charvet, then Speed, who flicked the ball to Shearer and onto Kieron Dyer.

He sped away down the right and his deep cross was headed down by Kevin Gallacher into the path of Speed, who had made a superb 70-yard run to continue the move, but the Welshman was stretching as his right-foot volley flew inches over the bar.