Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea produced their best pre-season performance in the first half against Newcastle to show the rebuild is well underway.
Nicolas Jackson’s first-half goal was reward for a slick, fluid and composed display against Eddie Howe’s side, who finished in the top four last season.
Marc Cucurella, however, switched off to allow Miguel Almiron to equalise and the second half was much more even after a host of substitutions on both sides.
It remains remarkable progress for Chelsea in their attempts to move on from a dismal last season.
Nkunku-Jackson combination begins
Jackson played with swagger, confidence and composure once again in an almost flawless pre-season so far.
The £35million signing from Villarreal led the line well but this time with fellow new signing Christopher Nkunku, who joined in a £52m deal from RB Leipzig, in behind him.
Nkunku favours the No10 role but was quiet in the first half as Jackson shone. He then improved as a false 9 in the second half when Jackson went off. It’s very early days as the pair look to build a partnership.
James auditions as captain
Reece James played his first match since April 18 and it lasted an impressive 65 minutes.
The 23-year-old also wore the captain’s armband having admitted that he wanted to replace Cesar Azpilicueta in the role yesterday.
He looked rusty after over three months out but proud and happy to be leading his team.
Pochettino has a decision to make with Thiago Silva, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ben Chilwell among the other contenders for the armband.
Maatsen classy as Cucurella falters
Ian Maatsen again excelled having provided a cute through ball for Jackson’s early goal.
The 21-year-old played a key tactical role for the team and just looks completely comfortable at this level even when out of position on the right wing.
Cucurella is blocking his chances of playing in his favoured left-back spot and was at fault for Almiron’s equaliser.
His poor positioning saw the Paraguayan winger latch onto Anthony Gordon’s through ball to score past Kepa Arrizabalaga.
