The 19-year-old England international struck twice as the Reds won 3-2 at Carrow Road in a game which remained in the balance until the final whistle.

Brendan Rodgers’ men raced into a 2-0 lead within 10 minutes as Sterling and then Luis Suarez struck in a blistering start by the leaders.

However, Gary Hooper reduced the deficit nine minutes after the restart and although Sterling restored the visitors’ two-goal advantage with a deflected second six minutes later, Robert Snodgrass’ 77th-minute header made for a tense finish.

Arsenal maintained their grip on fourth place with an impressive 3-0 victory at Hull in a dress rehearsal for next month’s FA Cup final.

Lukas Podolski did much of the damage, scoring either side of half-time after Aaron Ramsey had given the Gunners a 31st-minute lead, and Olivier Giroud later hit the bar after charging down keeper Steve Harper’s attempted clearance.

However, Everton remain in hot pursuit after completing a double over former boss David Moyes’ Manchester United in comprehensive style with a 2-0 win.

Full-back Leighton Baines blasted the home side ahead from the penalty spot after Phil Jones had handled Romelu Lukaku’s shot, and Kevin Mirallas ensured a miserable return to Goodison Park for Moyes with a second two minutes before half-time.

Even former Everton striker Wayne Rooney could not lift the mood for the visitors after being denied by Tim Howard at the death.

The Toffees lie just a point behind Arsenal with both clubs have three more games to play, while United are a further 11 back in seventh place, although with a game in hand.