Newcastle 1-1 Chelsea, player ratings: solid performance in 4-2-3-1

Marc Cucurella, Left back: 7

Cucurella was OK, but there was nothing noticeable about his performance, which is not necessarily a bad or good thing.

Enzo Fernandez, Central midfielder: 7

Fernandez was good though he made some mistakes in the first half. His passing was impressive as usual, and his partnership with Cesare Casadei was at least not a disaster.

Casare Casadei, Central midfielder: 7

The most noticeable thing about Casadei was that he tried as much as possible to keep it a]simple, which is a credit to him. He was solid, and it was clear that while the Pochettino may plan to give him minutes this season, the team will benefit more from him being the backup to a more established player.

Christopher Nkunku, Central attacking midfielder: 6.5

Nkunku was also underwhelming, not that that is indicative of anything, because it’s only his third game for the Blues. There’s enough evidence to show that a successful combination with Jackson would spell good things for the club.

Ian Maatsen, Right winger: 7.5

Maatsen has been a revelation in the front line this preseason. He made a perfectly weighted through ball to Jackson in the first half, providing the assist that gave the Blues the lead. His runs and linkup were crucial to the side’s play.