We went down 3-1 in our first away game of the season despite enjoying a 76 per cent share of possession, registering five more shots than our opponents, and recording an expected goals figure of 2.45, to West Ham’s 1.8.

But we were punished for our profligacy, including Enzo’s saved penalty for a foul on the impressive Sterling, so the winger was understandably frustrated afterwards.

‘It’s difficult one to take for everyone,’ said Sterling.

‘You have to take your chances. In the Premier League it will come back to haunt you. They got momentum with the crowd.

‘We dominated large periods of the game and had good opportunities. It was a hard step to take to get back in, but I still thought we had a good go at it, but we didn’t do what we needed to do.

‘You could see us dominating the game, physically we are better,’ added Sterling.

‘We just need to cut out some of the stuff we played and keep building. Even though we lost, there were times we played some good football. It’s stepping stones.’

Sterling was named the official Player of the Match after a thrilling individual performance which included six successful take-ons, the penalty win, and several near assists as he regularly got beyond his man and crossed threateningly.

He believes he is approaching his best form since moving to Stamford Bridge.

‘It was a difficult transition period last year,’ he stated.

‘I was raring to go from the off season, looking to get back to the levels I know I can get to, it is as simple as that.

‘It’s about being aggressive. A lot of the time it’s back to goal so it was nice to get on the half turn. I’m a player that needs to be driving, action after action. If I’m not doing that I’m nowhere near my best, so that’s what I need to keep doing every time I get the ball. I have to turn, drive and be aggressive. That’s what I plan on doing.

‘Once we start winning games it will definitely feel better, and we can keep building from there.’