United down Albion, Reds rock Bournemouth

Manchester United's Romelu Lukaku chases the ball during the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns stadium on Dec 17, 2017. (Photo: AFP/Oli Scarff)

With Manchester City romping away with the title race, United had to win at the Hawthorns to have any chance of reeling in their local rivals.

Romelu Lukaku put Jose Mourinho's side in front with a 27th-minute header and Jesse Lingard netted with the aid of a deflection to double the visitors' lead in the 35th minute.

But what looked destined to be a comfortable win became tense when Gareth Barry prodded home for Albion in the 77th minute.

United ended the game defending for their lives before claiming the win that left them 11 points behind City.

"I think we deserved the win. We were the best team. We controlled the game for a long time," Mourinho said.

"The intensity in the first half maybe we didn't have in the second half.

"West Brom are really powerful in the air. But after their goal we controlled it again."

At Dean Court, Liverpool demonstrated their goal power with a clinical display that took them above Arsenal and Burnley into fourth place.

Ending a two-match winless run in the league, Jurgen Klopp's side took the lead in the 20th minute.

Philippe Coutinho took possession 30 yards from goal and weaved his way past several Bournemouth defenders before planting a precise strike past Asmir Begovic.

Liverpool's second goal came six minutes later when Bournemouth failed to clear a corner and Roberto Firmino hooked the ball into the six-yard box, where defender Dejan Lovren stooped to head in.

Mohamed Salah bagged number three for the Reds in the 44th minute.

The Egypt winger ran on to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's pass, held off Charlie Daniels, cut inside Nathan Ake and slotted past Begovic for his 20th goal in a superb first season with Liverpool.

Firmino wrapped up Liverpool's commanding performance in the 66th minute, heading in Coutinho's cross despite Bournemouth's appeals for offside.

Collated English Premier League results on Sunday:

Bournemouth 0 Liverpool 4

West Brom 1 Manchester United