Hat-trick hero Raheem Sterling has suggested that his performance in Saturday's 5-1 demolition of Bournemouth could prove a watershed moment in his Manchester City career.

The England winger struck a first-half treble at Eastlands as Manuel Pellegrini's side retained their place at the top of the Premier League table.

"That was my best game so far for City. I had chances and I finished them so I'm happy," the former Liverpool man, who cost £49m in the summer, told reporters.

"The movement up front and the passing from midfield has been really good in the last few games and we've been playing some good, free-flowing stuff."

The Sky Blues face city rivals Manchester United - who sit two points behind them in third - next weekend.