West Brom 0 Sheffield United 1: Five Talking points from loss

Hawthorns form and formation need fixing

Darren Moore’s 4-3-3 is perfect away from home, where Albion soak up pressure before threatening on the break by leaving three forwards up.

But when faced with determined defensive set-ups at The Hawthorns, it is far too rigid, and lacks the creativity or inventiveness needed to pick the lock.

Moore needs to find another way of playing at home, and if possible, a way of getting a No.10 drifting in between the lines.

At the moment, Albion are too predictable on their own turf.

Dwight Gayle is wasted on the wing

Although he missed a good chance in the first half, playing Gayle wide limits his chances in the box.

He is the player you want on the end of crosses, not putting them in.

A natural poacher, he guarantees goals in this division if played centrally. Moore needs to find a way of playing him up front with Jay Rodriguez in a two, particularly at home.

Chris Wilder proved it can be done, but whether Albion are capable of returning to a back three is another matter.

And do they have the midfielders to play 4-4-2? A conundrum Moore needs to fix.

Matt Phillips is wasted up top

It was encouraging to see Phillips start his first game since New Year’s Day, and it’s no coincidence his absence has coincided with a dip in form.

But Phillips was influential from midfield before his injury, and even though he’s a highly versatile player, he’s much better running at defenders from deep than playing with his back to goal.

If Moore persists with 4-3-3, Phillips is better off providing much-needed pace and dynamism to a flat midfield. He scares opposition defenders.

Sam Johnstone’s aerial work improving

The keeper pulled off a smart save in the first half to keep Albion in it, but the most pleasing aspect of his performance was the way he commanded his area.

Johnstone looked susceptible to balls into the box earlier this season, but he is beginning to claim a lot more deliveries than before.

It has coincided since Gary Walsh’s arrival as goalkeeping coach, and perhaps the man who he worked so well with at Villa is beginning to have an impact.

He is growing into the season more and more.

Pressure on friday after lethargic performance

Moore said it was ‘a game too far’ for his side after a frenetic February and there was certainly an element of truth in that.

Albion looked weary, and Sheffield United had the benefit of an extra three days to prepare.

But that leaves the Baggies with no excuses this Friday, when they travel to Elland Road just three days after Leeds’ game against QPR.

It should be Albion who are first to every ball in that match, not the other way round.