Gallagher is the Blues' best player as Chelsea play out a draw in front of 71,000 Americans
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 27.07.23. | 09:28
Newcastle's Miguel Almiron scored on his return to Atlanta
Chelsea's highly-demanded midfielder Conor Gallagher responded to rumours about his possible departure with a fine performance against Newcastle United in another Premier League Summer Series friendly match in Atlanta.
Football, or should we say soccer fans in Atlanta watched the Blues draw 1-1 with the black-and-whites in at a state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Around 71,000 people were in attendance to see the game of teams that met on the final day of the last season - the result reading the same on that occasion too.
Full-time. Chelsea 1 Newcastle 1. Useful workout for both sides. Jackson and Almiron with the goals, both well taken. Pope denied both Gallagher and Chilwell a second-half winner with two top-quality saves. pic.twitter.com/N1FrCOvdq4
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) July 27, 2023
New signing Nicolas Jackson scored for Mauricio Pochettino's team early on, continuing his encouraging pre-season following his move from Villarreal. But Gallagher was arguably the best Chelsea player on the pitch, excelling in midfield while always providing a spark in the final third. Such performances on loan at Crystal Palace during the 2020/21 season ensured him a return to Chelsea and a chance to feature in the first team. However, last season was a disappointment for him and just about everyone connected to the club.
Just listen to that noise as Miguel Almiron found the back of the net 😲#PLSummerSeries | @NUFC pic.twitter.com/GRtTObnAVe
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 27, 2023
Gallagher is again showing his talent, but he might not be there for much longer - with West Ham keen to bring him in as a replacement for Declan Rice. The lad who's been at Chelsea since childhood may be forced to look for first-team football away from Stamford Bridge - just like Mason Mount, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi and a few others.
West Ham have informed Conor Gallagher they will make a bid for him soon.
— Felix (@FelixJohnston_) July 24, 2023
Gallagher also has interest from Tottenham & Newcastle. Spurs have directly told the player they want him.
Chelsea haven’t set a price tag, but it’s understood bids over £35m will be entertained. pic.twitter.com/s9SQlDUPGx
The biggest cheer of the night didn't come for Chelsea's blonde boy - but for Miguel Almiron. The Paraguayan returned to his former home and scored a goal to remind Atlanta United fans of the good old days. And Almiron repaid their support with an excellent run and finish in the first half added time to delight the crowd in the climate-controlled arena in Georgia.
