Sterling relishing return to form after bagging brace in win over Luton

Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling is eager to rediscover his "obsession" for football after Friday night's match-winning display against Luton.

Sterling broke the deadlock against the Hatters at Stamford Bridge in the 17th minute before extending the advantage shortly after the hour mark.

Fellow attacker Nicolas Jackson rounded off the 3-0 win — the first of Mauricio Pochettino's tenure — and Sterling now wants to see further improvement in his second season with the Blues.

The 28-year-old England international told the club's official website: "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.

"I came with excuses but that is finished. I want to get back to being obsessed with football, 24/7, and nothing else."

Pochettino praised Sterling for his contribution to the win, which moved Chelsea up to eighth in the Premier League table on four points following the home draw with Liverpool and last Sunday's defeat at West Ham.

The Argentine coach said: "I'm so pleased for him. He told me last season was a difficult season for him.

"He deserves the full credit for his performance.

"He has the quality and he can provide the team goals and assists. And when we don't have the ball, he works really hard to recover the ball as soon as possible.

"When an offensive player can score or assist, for us it's the best feeling."

Pochettino's men are next in action on Wednesday, when they host AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup second round.