Thrilling Showdown: Newcastle's Nicolas Jackson Shines Again, but Miguel Almiron Stuns on Emotional Return to Atlanta

Nicolas Jackson found the back of the net once more for Chelsea during the pre-season match as his new team settled for a 1-1 draw against Newcastle in the Premier League Summer Series held in Atlanta.

Immediately following his goal in a thrilling 4-3 victory against Brighton on Saturday, the former Villarreal striker, Jackson, swiftly latched onto a through ball from Ian Maatsen. Displaying composure, he calmly finished past Martin Dubravka in the 12th minute to grant Chelsea the advantage.

Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron, returning to Mercedes-Benz Stadium after his contribution to Atlanta United's MLS Cup triumph in 2018, leveled the score for the Magpies in the dying minutes of the first half. His left-footed shot found its way into the far corner past Kepa Arrizabalaga, after Marc Cucurella failed to intercept the ball.

Late in the game, Chelsea full-back Ben Chilwell came close to securing a victory for Mauricio Pochettino's team. However, his attempt from the edge of the box was skillfully saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope.

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Nicolas Jackson, the Chelsea forward, netted the first goal of the match against Newcastle in Atlanta. Following this, Chelsea will face Fulham in Washington DC on Sunday, and then Borussia Dortmund in Chicago next week as they conclude 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's head coach, Pochettino, acknowledges the need to make difficult choices in order to trim down his "extensive team" following the inclusion of 29 players for the club's pre-season tour in the USA.

"After the 1-1 draw with Newcastle, he expressed his satisfaction with the positive atmosphere among the team, consisting of genuinely commendable individuals who are readily embracing shared experiences," he stated.

Creating a squad with a good balance is crucial, as it can be challenging when several players are unable to participate in a game. This difficulty stems from the impact it has on the overall mood of the team. Moreover, it is important to have individuals who not only have the chance to play but also possess the ability to compete for their positions.

Building a solid relationship and maintaining a healthy balance pose a significant task and challenge for us during the transfer window. In the event that players are dissatisfied due to their anticipated lack of playing time, we will work with the club to find a suitable resolution and rectify the situation.

However, it is crucial to avoid having an excessively large squad with players who are not actively involved, as it can lead to chaos within the team. Sometimes, having fewer players can be more beneficial, as the saying "less is more" emphasizes. This principle is not based on mathematical calculations, but rather on the understanding that a large squad is unnecessary for us.

Premier League Summer Series fixtures still to play

We require a total of 22, 23, 24 players, including some younger talents, to form a well-rounded and competitive team. It saddens me to realize that this decision might pose some challenges, but our ultimate goal is to construct a team that is both strong and balanced, capable of competing for accomplishments.

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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