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    EPL Table: 2017 Week 18 Standings After Sunday's Premier League Scores

    Gianni Verschueren@ReverschPassFeatured ColumnistDecember 17, 2017

    BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 17: Roberto Firmino of Liverpool celebrates with his teammates after scoring his sides fourth goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool at Vitality Stadium on December 17, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
    Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

    Manchester United and Liverpool both took care of business in Week 18 of the 2017-18 Premier League campaign, beating West Bromwich Albion and Bournemouth, respectively, on Sunday.

    The Red Devils survived a late rally from the Baggies, winning 2-1, while the Reds enjoyed another simple outing, crushing the Cherries 4-0.

    Here's a look at what those results mean for the standings. The gameweek wraps up on Monday as Everton plays at Swansea. For the full table, visit WhoScored.com:

    1. Manchester City 52 (44)

    2. Manchester United 41 (27)

    3. Chelsea 38 (18)

    4. Liverpool 34 (18)

    5. Arsenal 33 (11)

    6. Burnley 32 (4)

    7. Tottenham Hotspur 31 (13)

    8. Leicester City 26 (1)

    9. Watford 22 (-6)

    EPL Table: 2017 Week 18 Standings After Sunday's Premier League Scores
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    10. Everton 22 (-8)

    11. Huddersfield Town 21 (-14)

    12. Southampton 18 (-7)

    13. Brighton & Hove Albion 18 (-9)

    14. Crystal Palace 17 (-13)

    15. West Ham United 17 (-15)

    16. Bournemouth 16 (-9)

    17. Stoke City 16 (-20)

    18. Newcastle United 15 (-11)

    19. West Bromwich Albion 14 (-11)

    20. Swansea City 12 (-13)

         

    Recap

    United and West Brom came out flat in the first half of their contest, but manager Jose Mourinho's troops made the most of their chances, scoring twice.

    Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock with an excellent header―once again celebrating in silence―and Jesse Lingard added to the lead with a deflected effort. Per sportswriter Ryan Baldi, his progression this season has been noticeable:

    Ryan Baldi @RyanBaldiFW

    José Mourinho is often accused of not improving players but I think he’s worked wonders with Jesse Lingard

    West Brom improved after the break but couldn't find the net until the final 15 minutes, when Gareth Barry took advantage of poor defending to power home a corner kick.

    The hosts had several good chances to grab a late equaliser, and United defender Chris Smalling, who took the captain's armband after Antonio Valencia limped off with an injury, took to social media after the match, acknowledging the Red Devils played with fire:

    Chris Smalling @ChrisSmalling

    A bit close for comfort at the end but another big win away from home. 💪🏽#MUFC #GGMU https://t.co/OgseyBuinh

    Winning the ugly contests is the hallmark of a top team, however, and a visit to the Hawthorns is never easy. With the win, United again took sole position of second place after Chelsea tied the Red Devils on points after a victory on Saturday over Southampton.

    In Sunday's other match, Liverpool's exciting attack again came through, scoring early and often against Bournemouth.

    At half-time, the Reds were already up by three goals, courtesy of Philippe Coutinho, Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah. The latter is enjoying a special season, per sportswriter Richard Jolly:

    Richard Jolly @RichJolly

    Mohamed Salah becomes the first Liverpool player to get 20 goals in a season before Christmas since Ian Rush in 1986-87 (with thanks to @ged0407).

    Roberto Firmino added to the lead after the break, and the Reds cruised from there.

    Liverpool's next outing will be a daunting trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal on Friday.