Chelsea vs Newcastle: 5 talking points as Pochettino tests new captain
Miguel Almiron thwarted Chelsea’s chances for another preseason victory, as a formidable Newcastle United squad fought back.
Next season, Chelsea and Newcastle will compete for a spot in the top six, and both teams were relieved not to lose this cagey preseason match. Almiron equalized the score in first-half stoppage time after Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring after being sent through on goal.
Howe will be concerned about Fab Schar’s injury, as he hobbled off the field in the first half. Martin Dubravka and Nick Pope each made three outstanding saves to deny Chelsea the victory.
Here are five discussion points from the Premier League match between the two teams.
Could Mauricio Pochettino achieve something with the youngsters?
The average age of the Chelsea squad that defeated Wrexham earlier in this tour was less than 20 years old. Here it was in the low to mid-twenties, and what a crop Poch must cultivate. It is not surprising that Chelsea has removed the elderly deadwood. Twelve first-team players from the previous year have been cut, and three more remain at home seeking a transfer.
Mendy, Koulibaly, Loftus-Cheek, Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Kante, Mount, Pulisic, Felix, who was on loan, Havertz, Aubameyang, and Ampadu are among the players who have departed. Soon, Ziyech, Lukaku, and Hudson-Odoi will depart.
The Chelsea team is better off with this new crop, who are anxious to prove themselves but still a bit immature. Bashir Humphries is twenty years old, Ian Maatsen is twenty-one, Cesare Casadei is twenty, Mykhailo Mudryk is twenty-two, Nico Jackson is twenty-two, and Enzo Fernandez is twenty-two.
They all began here, and they all look the part. They will continue to improve under Poch’s leadership.
Nico Jackson is ablaze.
The striker is one of this new Chelsea team’s most eye-catching players. Signed in the summer for £32 million from Villarreal, he is in a haste despite his incredible eight-year contract.
Jackson is swift, evasive, and has a calm disposition. His 12th minute strike was a calm side foot roll past Martin Dubravka, after Cesare Casadei split the Newcastle defense and flipped Sven Botman.
It was Jackson’s second goal of the season, and he is quickly becoming Poch’s line leader. A strong relationship is developing with Christopher Nkunku, who played as the No10 in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Performing four step-overs during a byline dribble was also quite remarkable.
Moises Caceido is indispensable to the Poch revolution.
Here was the evidence that Chelsea must acquire Brighton’s Moses Cadeido. Roberto De Zerbi, manager of the Seagulls, stated just before kickoff that he believed he would still be a Brighton player when the new season begins.
Three central midfielders have departed Chelsea this summer, and the ideal pairing would be Caceido and Enzo Fernandez. Brighton is willing to sell, but only at the appropriate price. That could exceed £80 million.
Reece James’s trial as captain
The right-back for England played his first game since April, and it was a relief to see him back in shape. He expressed his desire to don the captain’s armband and lead the club, and Mauricio Pochettino gave him an early opportunity.
Currently, he appears to be the best option, as a guaranteed starter with a strong presence who was raised in the academy. He claims that some of his comrades did not want to be there during the previous season, but there is a new spirit this year.
It was evident early on, with James leading the charge with upfield surges and battling Anthony Gordon. However, Alex Isak skinned him in the second half.
Chelsea vs Newcastle: 5 talking points as Pochettino tests new captain