In the vast Mercedes-Benz Arena in Atlanta, the Blues produced another competitive performance against top-flight English opposition.

There were starts for Reece James and Enzo Fernandez while Christopher Nkunku was deployed in attack with Jackson for the first time.

We went in front early into the opening period as Ian Maatsen slipped a pass through the Newcastle defence and Jackson raced onto the ball and finished confidently beyond Martin Dubravka.

Miguel Almiron levelled for Eddie Howe's side just before the half-time interval and although we had the better chances in the second period, the game ended all square.

‘I think, in general, it was a good game,' reflected Pochettino. 'I’m pleased with the attitude again and the performance. There were many, many positive things, but things to improve. But in general, I’m pleased and happy.

‘I think the balance is much better. We need to still work on the balance of the team, but I’m so happy because after four months, Reece [James] played 60 minutes and that is so important for him to have the feelings of competing.

'This type of game helps a lot. For a player like Jackson, who arrives from La Liga, to compete against a team like Newcastle, who will play in the Champions League, is so important.

'I think the younger players are performing well also. So I am so happy with everything so far.'

Jackson's goal was his second of the Premier League Summer series. The forward, recruited from Villarreal this summer, has made an instant impact under Pochettino.

Yet the Chelsea head coach believes there is more to come from Jackson, who is not yet at peak fitness having returned to pre-season later than many of his teammates due to international commitments.

‘I think he has showed his quality and talent: he is good in front of the goal, very relaxed when he has the chances,' said Pochettino. 'He has shown that in the games. I am happy because a striker needs to score to build confidence and trust.’

‘He was in La Liga, which is also really competitive but he needs sot adapt to the Premier League. The tempo is higher than La Liga, more transitions, be connected with the game. There are many things that make the Premier League one of the best, one of the most competitive, and one is the physical condition.’

‘He still needs to improve in his physical condition; it’s only the beginning of pre-season. He arrived late, didn’t start with us from the beginning.

'We are involved here in the tour and are so happy to be here and share with our fans, but at the same time it’s tough and it’s why we need to manage the situation. That is why we administrate in different ways the players.

'The plan was maybe to play him a little bit more, but after 45 minutes we decided to substitute him because he had the good feelings.’