The England international scored two and set up one in the third game of the Mauricio Pochettino era as we claimed our first three points of the season.

Sterling was simply sublime: shooting five times, three of which hit the target, as well as having two successful dribbles and two key passes in the contest.

He spoke of his huge confidence and belief when he spoke post-match.

‘I had a conversation with the gaffer earlier last week, and we have gone through the role and I know exactly what he needs from me and it is simple as that. I need to get on the back foot, drive at players which is when I am most affective,’ Sterling said.

‘Mindset wise, I came with excuses but that is finished. I always try to analyse what I have been doing, what I have done wrong or what I can change,’ he reflected, honestly.

‘I want to get back to being obsessed with football, football 24/7, and nothing else. Top performances, goals and assists. A lot has happened in my career, I have had a new challenge which has been difficult, and your head can become blurry.

‘My love for football is too much and I am too young at 28 to let my career fizzle out. I need to maintain the standards I have set myself the last few years, and keep going.’

Sterling is quite clearly playing better this term than the start of last. He has given mitigating factors as to why that is.

‘Last season I was too deep, playing the ball to the full-backs. We had a simple conversation, it doesn’t matter where you play: just be dynamic and aggressive. Just be aggressive with the ball when wide and I have the desire and hunger to do that.’