Match report and free highlights as Chelsea and Newcastle draw 1-1 in the Premier League Summer Series; Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea the lead before Miguel Almiron equalised for Newcastle; Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino says he must make tough decisions to trim his "massive squad"
Thursday 27 July 2023 09:16, UK
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.
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."
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)
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