Chelsea 1-1 Newcastle: Pictures & talking points from pre-season friendly in Atlanta

Chelsea and Newcastle played out a 1-1 draw in each side's penultimate Premier League Summer Series friendly in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Nicolas Jackson fired Chelsea ahead early on but Miguel Almiron's equaliser late in the first half proved the highlight on his old stomping ground in Atlanta, where the vast majority of fans in attendance had not forgotten his heroic performances in Major League Soccer.

Here's a look back at the talking points from the game.

Nicolas Jackson's super summer continues

Chelsea fans already have a new favourite, and his name is Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegal international arrived to more confusion than fanfare earlier this season but has quickly stormed his way into the hearts of supporters, with his early goal taking him to two goals and three assists in just under 120 minutes of action this summer.

Is this the man to break the Chelsea striker curse?

Miguel Almiron scores on emotional Atlanta return

Almiron is fondly and deservedly remembered as one of the greats in Atlanta and the lucky supporters in the stands were overjoyed to see their superstar find the back of the net shortly before half-time.

His celebration was also special, whipping out his trademark move from his MLS days and paying tribute to former teammate Josef Martinez. The stadium erupted in what felt like a real storyline moment.

The goals dried up for Almiron towards the end of last season but getting on the score sheet here should set the Paraguay international up for another storming start.

Reece James wears captain's armband

Mauricio Pochettino is still looking for his new permanent captain and gave right-back Reece James a trial run with the armband in Atlanta.

James has spoken openly of his love for the club and desire to become captain, and that stance has only further endeared him to Chelsea fans during a summer in which Mason Mount jumped ship for Manchester United.

Pochettino has not yet made his final decision, but James is definitely in the running.

Ian Maatsen stands out, Marc Cucurella struggles

Still yet to play in his actual position of left-back, Ian Maatsen has been one of Chelsea's top performers in pre-season and continued his fine form against Newcastle. Starting as a right winger, it was the Dutchman's perfect pass which freed Jackson for the opening goal.

Blues fans are screaming for Maatsen to get a genuine shot in the first team, and those voices only grew louder as Marc Cucurella endured another challenging outing.

It was the expensive Spaniard who was at fault for Almiron's equaliser, stepping up too aggressively to try intercept a pass he was never going to reach and allowing the Newcastle man an unopposed shot on goal.

Sandro Tonali needs time

Sandro Tonali's adjustment to the English game was taken to another level against Chelsea, and the Italy international was definitely given a lot to learn from.

Was it the worst performance of all time? Absolutely not. Tonali flashed glimpses of his intelligence but clearly struggled with the pace and the intensity of Premier League opponents, and his case was not helped by the fact that fellow Italian Cesare Casadei had an impressive showing up against him.

Newcastle fans must not write off Tonali who, when he figures things out, could be a vital cog in the machine. Supporters must show patience. This is what pre-season is all about, after all.

READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP

READ THE LATEST NEWCASTLE NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP