Not that it helped them - the Blues lost 2-0. And after Sterling's camp released a statement via Mail Sport ahead of kick-off admitting that he ismulling over his future, the debate has been sparked: where could, and should, he be off to next?
There is a suspicion that figures higher up than manager Enzo Maresca made the call to axe Sterling, who has recently given indications that he open to speaking with other clubs.
On the latest episode of It's All Kicking Off, Sami Mokbel joins host Ian Ladyman to reveal who the biggest club to have enquired about Sterling are.
Listen to the latest episode of It's All Kicking Off! wherever you get your podcasts
The 29-year-old has been at Stamford Bridge for two seasons and his kids are settled in London, so it would take a good offer to prise him away.
There is also the subject of wages. Sterling is on £300,000 per week - would he be willing to take a cut?
You can find out the answer to that, as well as who his most prominent suitors are, on the latest instalment of It's All Kicking Off.