'We can't keep shooting ourselves in the foot' complains Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder as miserable run continues

A first-half goal from Conor Gallagher proved enough to propel Slaven Bilic’s men to their first victory of the new campaign, and ensure United remained at the foot of the table, as the visitors missed a hatful of opportunities either side of the midfielder’s strike.

Profligate finishing combined with costly lapses in concentration at the back have been a familiar theme for United this season, with injuries also proving a test of Wilder’s organisational skills.

“It’s Groundhog Day, I feel like I’m saying the same thing after every game,” he said. “We’re shooting ourselves in the foot and I keep saying the same things.

“Nobody would have been surprised if we’d have won this game with the openings we carved and the positions we got ourselves in. My own eyes, watching what I did, tell me that.”

John Fleck, George Baldock, Oli McBurnie and substitutes Lys Mousset and Rhian Brewster were all guilty of spurning openings at The Hawthorns; meaning United will enter Sunday’s game against Leicester City with only a point to their name since finishing ninth last season.

“I’ve got to try and pick the right team for that one but it’s not just the forwards (who are missing chances),” Wilder said. “I’m not laying it on them alone, because others are doing it as well.”

An important message: 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 at https://www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions/sports. Your support is much appreciated.