Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has explained why he took off Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson at half-time despite scoring in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle United on Thursday morning.

Chelsea 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.

Explaining why he took off Jackson at half-time, Pochettino said: “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.”