Sterling is trying too hard to prove a point. Just needs to play his natural game.
He's getting a first taste of the difficulties of playing in a side with this much of the ball. There's just no space for him and he's having to find where the opportunities are. He's had two clear cut breaks through their line and easily could have a goal or two, so he's contributed and his movement has helped a bunch. I think Raheem is going to have to adjust to this style of play it's very different from Liverpool and pre season matches just don't seem to have that kind of feel.