First things first: the Mercedes-Benz Stadium is an astonishing place, a giant, reverberating arena in a glossy and steel case, with a roof that closes in on itself capturing the noise and atmosphere into a tight and corrugated bubble. The closure of the roof, which is common due to the weather here in Georgia, contributed to an entertaining summer spectacle, football as a crowd-event, as a shared expression of energy.

The crackle of electricity as the two English sides emerged onto that square of scrubby lime green was refreshing to see also, in the Premier League’s maiden Summer Series tournament. Cobham graduate Reece James led out the lads to captain his boyhood club.

On the eve of matchday, Reece James spoke with irrefutable pride as he explained why he is a good fit for the vacant captaincy. Mauricio Pochettino sat beside him and nodded, smiling and listening carefully as James spoke openly. Moments later, the head coach echoed Reece’s thoughts, confirming he is a possibility, among others, to be the man to get the armband permanently.

Behind Reece as the players walked out was attacking duo Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, the latter playing ahead of the Frenchman in their first start together.

It was experimental more than anything, with Pochettino evidently, at these premature stages at least, wanting to play with a flat back-four. That provides the Argentine with an extra attacking name on the team sheet.

As Nicolas Jackson rolled in his second Chelsea goal, and as the ball rippled and span around in the corner of Martin Dubravka’s net, you could see a partnership coming to fruition. Of course, it was Ian Maatsen’s excellent assist that set up the opening goal, but Nkunku had left the space for the ball to be played.

The striker’s confidence then began to shine. Moments later, after being played through wide-right, Jackson deftly touched the ball past Fabian Schar who had no option but to commit a foul and take a booking. Nicolas’s speed, awareness of the space, and ability to tempt his man into making a foul was what impressed.

As half-time approached: a new side to Nicolas became apparent. This time he was tenacious and determined, a striker showing he is willing to hunt down the ball, not just expect it at his feet. Two Magpies players failed to clear the ball effectively, Nico retrieved it after a clean tackle, and moved into the box. After two, three or even four stepovers, Jackson fired the ball across the six-yard box. Nothing came of it, but the signs were promising.

And so as the evening Atlanta light faded through the glass walls and turned the windows into darkness, the arena became a beautiful tableau: the Chelsea blue shirts, the deep green of the stage, the players moving as singular blocks under those brilliant white lights. 

Newcastle equalised through a Miguel Almiron strike, before Jackson was replaced by Gallagher. Nkunku shuffled up to the striker position, and played 78 minutes.

Whether it be Nkunku or Jackson, Pochettino has quality and attractive forward options. What it will look on 13 August as Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge is anyone’s guess.