The victory at the Etihad on Saturday took the defending champions four points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table but Jurgen Klopp's men closed the gap to a single point on Sunday.
There was an offside debate over his first goal and his second was a tap-in, but his third highlighted his skill as he weaved into the area, cut back and fired past Ben Foster.
He said: "My impression is that the ball comes from the opponent so it's not offside, because it happened last season in the Champions League and was quite similar - I was out of the Champions League last season for one quite similar to that - [James] Milner passed the ball to Leroy Sané, we would have scored the second goal. To have the ability to unlock defences when they defend with so many bodies is the sign of a top, top, top player".
Despite the controversial opener, Sterling made the game into his own show as he doubled City's lead four minutes later and completed his hat-trick just before the hour mark. As in their two previous games, the score was 0-0 at half-time and City, despite dominating possession, needed to work hard for openings. "It's mentally demanding because it puts you to sleep that you have so much possession and are bouncing against the same wall".
City boss Pep Guardiola said he understood Watford's anger over Sterling's goal - as he has been on the wrong end of something similar. Solskjaer's men will face Arsenal on Sunday in what is to be the blockbuster of this round.
Right-back: Yan Valery (Southampton) - Had never scored a senior goal before scoring in successive weeks against Manchester United and Tottenham.
"But we've done it against Bournemouth, against West Ham and we've done it again now".
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I've got to stay fit, I've got to stay on it and have to stay as loose as I possibly can for as long as I play out here. If I would have got my rounds in last week, it would have been four tournaments, so I'm right there where I need to be.
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"It's massive [to win the game]".
Right midfield: Anthony Knockaert (Brighton) - The winger might have been sent off in the first minute against Crystal Palace but went on to score a spectacular victor. Got a standing ovation. Also got the better of United in the centre of the pitch.
Sterling's 13-minute treble secured a 3-1 win against Watford in the league on Saturday and the England winger believes City's confidence and steely focus can carry them to an historic season.
"No, I didn't hear what (the referee) was saying but at the time I didn't think I was offside, so I was hoping he did have a long think and give us the goal and that's exactly what he's done", Sterling said.
Striker: Jamie Vardy (Leicester) - Brought up a century of goals for Leicester with a late brace to defeat Fulham and earn new manager Brendan Rodgers his first win.
The 28-year-old midfielder has not been an automatic starter under Guardiola and has just one season remaining on his present deal. "If he doesn't want to stay, he has to leave".
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019
13 Mars 2019