Jackson delights Poch as Blues Nic a draw against Newcastle

Mauricio Pochettino was quick to praise Nicolas Jackson after the striker netted in Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Newcastle last night.

Summer signing Jackson, 22, scored his second goal of pre-season as the Blues and Eddie Howe's Magpies shared the spoils in front of a packed house in Atlanta. 

Speaking after his side were pegged back by Miguel Almiron's goal on the stroke of half-time, Pochettino said: "This type of game helps a lot.

"For a player like Jackson, who arrives from LaLiga, to compete against a team like Newcastle, who will play in the Champions League, is so important.

"I think he has shown his quality and talent. He is good in front of the goal, very relaxed when he has the chances. 

"He has shown that in the games. I am happy because a striker needs to score to build confidence and trust.

"He was [with Villarreal] in LaLiga, which is also really competitive but he needs to adapt to the Premier League. 

"The tempo is higher than LaLiga. There are many things that make the Premier League one of the best, one of the most competitive, and one is the physical condition."

Jackson calmly beat Martin Dubravka after being slipped through by Ian Maatsen after 12 minutes. 

But Almiron, who was given a standing ovation by the crowd before kick-off on his return to the home of Atlanta United, got the better of Marc Cucurella before firing past Kepa Arrizabalaga in first-half stoppage time. 

Poch added: "I think, in general, it was a good game. I'm pleased with the attitude again and the performance. 

"There were many, many positives but things to improve. We need to still work on the balance of the team. 

"But I'm so happy because Reece [James] played 60 minutes and that is so important for him to have the feelings of competing."

While James started the night with the skipper's armband, one notable absentee was England Under-21s star Noni Madueke. 

Pochettino, 51, said: "Noni is in Philadelphia. He has a little tightness in his hamstring. It's not a big thing."