Nicolas
Jackson scored again for Chelsea in pre-season as his new side drew 1-1 with
Newcastle in the Premier League Summer Series in Atlanta.
Fresh from scoring in a 4-3 win over Brighton on Saturday, former Villarreal
forward Jackson raced onto a through ball from Ian Maatsen before producing
a calm finish past Martin Dubravka to give Chelsea the lead in the 12th
minute.
Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron, making his return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium
having helped Atlanta United win the MLS Cup in 2018, then equalised for the
Magpies deep into first-half stoppage time when he guided a left-footed shot
past Kepa Arrizabalaga into the far corner after Marc Cucurella missed his
interception.
Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell almost scored a winner for Mauricio
Pochettino's side late on, but his effort from just outside the area was
saved well by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Chelsea play Fulham in Washington DC on Sunday and Borussia Dortmund in
Chicago next week in their final two games of their USA tour.
Newcastle face Brighton in New Jersey on Friday before returning home for
their final pre-season matches ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Pochettino: Tough decisions needed to trim
'massive squad'
Chelsea head coach Pochettino says he must make tough decisions to reduce
his "massive squad" after taking 29 players to the USA for the club's
pre-season tour.
"At the moment the dynamic is very good, really good guys and they are
sharing the time together," he said after the 1-1 draw with Newcastle.
"It is difficult because sometimes in every game three, four, five players
cannot play and that is difficult because the mood is difficult.
"It is about creating a squad with good balance and people who have the
opportunity to play and can compete for their place.
"That is a big job and challenge for us in the transfer window to build a
good relationship and good balance. Then, if players are not happy because
they believe they are not going to play, we are going to find a solution
with the club and fix the situation.
"What we cannot have is a massive squad, players not involved and then it's
going to create a mess in the squad. Maybe less is more and more is less, it
is not mathematic. That is why I need to make clear we don't need a big
squad.
"We need 22, 23, 24 players with some younger and that's it. I am so sorry
because maybe the decision will be tough but we need to build a good and
balanced team who want to compete for things."
Premier League Summer Series fixtures
still to play
Saturday July 29
Brighton vs Newcastle United, kick-off 12.30am BST (Red Bull Arena;
Harrison, New Jersey)
Sunday July 30
Aston Villa vs Brentford, kick-off 5pm BST (FedExField; Landover, Maryland)
Chelsea vs Fulham, kick-off 7.45pm BST (FedExField; Landover, Maryland)
top