Mauricio Pochettino’s new-look Chelsea looked sharp as they raced out to an early lead on Nicolas Jackson’s second goal in two games, but Newcastle hit back through Miguel Almiron as Premier League Summer Series action continued on Wednesday.
[ WATCH LIVE: Premier League Summer Series on Peacock ]
Jackson scored the late winner in Chelsea’s 4-3 victory over Brighton on Saturday, but the 22-year-old Senegalese international needed just 12 minutes to open the scoring against Newcastle. The through ball that sent him into acres of space behind Newcastle’s defense came from Ian Maatsen, but Jackson still had lots of work to do from there. He held one defender off shoulder-to-shoulder before sliding the ball under Martin Dubravka and sticking it just inside the far post.
Almiron’s equalizer was a special moment for a player who spent two goal- and assist-filled seasons with Atlanta United before moving to Newcastle United in 2019. Marc Cucurella took a poor angle as Anthony Gordon played a hopeful through ball to Almiron on the right wing. The ball got through and Almiron made no mistake from a tight angle.
Newcastle vs Chelsea, final score: 1-1
Goalscorers: Nicolas Jackson (12'), Miguel Almiron (45'+4)
How to watch Newcastle vs Chelsea in the Summer Series live, stream link
Kickoff: 8:15pm ET Wednesday
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia
TV Channel/Stream: Premier League Summer Series on Peacock
It may have been a preseason match, but Kieran Trippier is touting Newcastle’s comeback draw as one in which to put some stock.
“Coming from behind again, we showed great togetherness. The young boys done unbelievable today, Alex and Lewis. Never say die attitude against top quality competition but we just need to keep going and to improve.”
He also was happy to take in Miguel Almiron’s goal, as the ex-Atlanta United star got a lot of love at his old stadium.
“It’s a typical Miggy goal really across the keeper. Miggy had great times here for Atlanta and he got a great reception that he fully deserved.”
Mauricio Pochettino saw a lot to like from Wednesday’s draw, with Ian Maatsen and Nicolas Jackson drawing praise.
But he also addressed Chelsea’s bloated squad and acknowledged that it’s naturally becoming difficult to keep players happy... and it’s just preseason.
“First of all I think we need to define the squad as I think we are 29 players here and it is massive, the squad,” he said, via Football.London. “At the moment the dynamic is very good, really good guys and they are sharing the time together. 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 and then okay, 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 be 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 a balanced team who want to compete for things.”
⚫️ HOWAY THE LADS! ⚪️#NEWCHE // #PLSummerSeries pic.twitter.com/61YcjUGBkr
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 26, 2023
The Blues XI. 🔵@ParimatchUK | #BluesInTheUSA pic.twitter.com/NqNM6V9Llm
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 26, 2023
