Sterling was taken off in the second half and Evening Standard journalist Nizaar Kinsella claims he looked stunned while sitting on the bench at full-time.

It is hardly a surprise, as no one would have predicted Chelsea to lose the way they did after the first half they played.

In the end, it was a very bad defeat for Mauricio Pochettino‘s team, a defeat that does not seem to have gone down well at Stamford Bridge.

Raheem Sterling did his best

Sterling’s performance was at least one positive for Chelsea to take away from the game.

He once again got his name on the scoresheet with a fantastic free-kick, his fifth Premier League goal of the season.

Last term, Sterling only managed to net six times in the top flight. Simply put, the 28-year-old has been so much better in the current campaign and has been trying his best.

Some poor marking in the second half, though, and a terrible mistake from the experienced Thiago Silva made his effort go to waste.

Pochettino will once again be looking to Sterling when Chelsea take on Brighton & Hove Albion next weekend, especially with the Argentine set to be without one of his key players.

Reece James will be unavailable for selection due to suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the defeat at St James’ Park. It is a really frustrating development, as the England international has just come back from injury. Hopefully it is something he learns from going forward.