Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson settled Chelsea's nerves in the second half to earn a crucial 2-0 win over Sheffield United.
Chelsea were flat in the first half, creating almost nothing against the bottom of the table Blades but stepped up their performance after the break.
Palmer tapped home Sterling's low cutback to break down Chris Wilder's stubborn defence.
The £40million signing from Manchester City then turned provider to set-up Jackson's strike in the 61st minute to seal victory.
Nizaar Kinsella was at Stamford Bridge witnessing the pressure-relieving action.
Djordje Petrovic - 6
A very quiet first start for the Serbian, who made just one save as he replaced an injured Robert Sanchez.
Axel Disasi - 5
He struggled in the right back role, barely venturing forward.
Thiago Silva - 6
He won the ball high up the pitch several times to get his team going.
Benoit Badiashile - 5
He lost most of his aerial duels with Oliver McBurnie and gave away possession and several free-kicks.
Levi Colwill - 6
Most attacking of the defenders but looked awkward in the role.
Moises Caicedo - 7
He kept possession ticking over well and blocked a Cameron Archer shot but gave away a few free-kicks.
Conor Gallagher - 7
His excellent front-footed pressing created a half-chance for Chelsea and an edge of the box shot.
Mykhailo Mudryk - 4
Shot high and wide into the Shed End after an amazing nutmeg on Max Lowe. That moment summed up his performance and recent form.
Cole Palmer - 8
Palmer was Chelsea's match winner, scoring the first by turning in Sterling's cross before setting up Jackson's second.
Nicolas Jackson - 6
He was caught offside three times in the first half, killing important attacks dead but kept plugging away to get his goal.
Raheem Sterling - 7
His dribbling ultimately created Palmer's all-important goal to steady the nerves.
Substitutes
Enzo Fernandez - 6
The 61st-minute substitute kept possession as required when brought on.
Armando Broja - 5
Unlucky not to win a penalty but missed an open goal after good play by Palmer.
Malo Gusto - N/A
Ian Maatsen - N/A
