Chances squandered and the pirate can't plunder gold - Heroes and villains from Sheffield United's defeat at West Bromwich Albion

Sheffield United created more than enough chances to win more than one game at The Hawthorns tonight.

But they travel back to Sheffield tonight with nothing to show for it, after a 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.

Here, we take a look at some heroes and villains from the game...

Sam Johnstone

A hero for the Baggies and a villain for the Blades. A brilliant save kept out Oli Burke's header, a close-range stop denied Oli McBurnie and although McBurnie made it easier by putting another effort within the goalkeeper's reach, it still needed saving.

His opposite number Aaron Ramsdale also made a number of fine stops and had little chance with the goal, as the ball sailed through a crowd of bodies.

United's finishing

It's unfair to pin this on one player, as several in pink at The Hawthorns squandered gilt-edged chances. Rhian Brewster had a couple after coming on, McBurnie had a couple, George Baldock had a couple... but the best of all fell to substitute Lys Mousset right at the end, in injury time.

Maybe the fact he was making his first appearance of the season played a part? But you back your striker to hit the target in that situation, just a few yards out, when it matters. It was an effort that rather summed up United's evening. They could have still been playing now and probably wouldn't have found a way past Johnstone.

Oli Burke

The former Baggies striker was my man of the match, despite extending his run of Premier League games without a victory even further.

He was a handful all evening, from the first 30 seconds when he got on the end of McBurnie's flick on. He was a constant threat in behind, forced a superb save from Johnstone and also showed his awareness to set up two good chances for Baldock.

He hasn't had many opportunities of late, but showed here again the qualities he can offer United going forward.

Another goal from a set-piece

Not directly this time, but Sander Berge may feel he could have done better with his clearance from a corner. Even then, Conor Gallagher had the freedom of the Midlands to pick his spot, and even then somehow managed to scuff it into the only place Aaron Ramsdale couldn't reach.

Gallagher admitted afterwards in his Sky Sports interview that he couldn't believe how much time and space he was afforded on the edge of the box all evening... even at Sunday League level, that situation gets sorted out with a defender 'floating' on the edge of the box.

Lys Mousset

Before the game, United's ever-excellent social media team produced another slick video hailing the return of 'the pirate' Mousset, after injury.

What they won't have banked on is him missing a sitter from three yards, which would have earned United a point - which was the least he deserved.

But Wilder said in the week that his very prescence in the squad has given United a boost, and if he can rediscover some of the form that he showed in his purple patch last season he will be a very important player for United this season indeed.

Thank you for reading this article, one of dozens we publish every single day to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative coverage of YOUR club. This depth of Blades coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to from the football team at The Star, please consider taking out a subscription to our new discounted sports-only package. You'll find all the details HERE. Your support is much appreciated. Chris Holt, Football Editor