Brentford's poor form on the opening day of the season continued as they were beaten at Sheffield United.

The Bees have not won on the first day of the league campaign since 2011 and that run continued at Bramall Lane.

Brentford played some good stuff in the first half but failed to create a clear cut chance and the Blades punished some slack defending from a corner as Billy Sharp headed home.

Sharp and strike partner Leon Clarke had goals ruled out for offside but the introduction of Ollie Watkins and Nico Yennaris saw the west Londoners take control.

Jota forced a save from Jamal Blackman before Nico Yennaris hit the bar from the rebound. Lasse Vibe headed over from that one from two yards out.

Neal Maupay also had a chance late on to equaliser but Blackman was equal to it and that was as close as the Bees came to an equaliser.

Here are some thoughts to take from the game.

A tale of what might have been

Lasse Vibe

Brentford will feel they should have taken at least something from the visit to Bramall Lane after missing a hatful of chances.

Jota, Nico Yennaris, Lasse Vibe and Neal Maupay will all feel they should have scored with some of the chances they had.

However, none of them went in and it was a case of the Bees not really clicking over the course of the 90 minutes.

A stuttering start

Brentford have not won on the opening day since beating Yeovil 2-0 in Uwe Rosler's first game.

They have had draws against Port Vale, Bury, Ipswich and Charlton while they were beaten by Huddersfield last season.

Indeed, the west Londoners were not at their brilliant best and they were half a yard short throughout the contest.

Swings and roundabouts

John Egan

Brentford fans should remember their last visit to the Steel City when they won 2-1 at Sheffield Wednesday.

The Owls had several chances that day and were denied by the Bees, who took theirs and the points with them. On this visit, the west Londoners had the chances but not the points.

The defeat will leave Brentford frustrated but they will know on another day they would have won.

Don't take any side lightly in the Championship

The mood amongst Brentford fans was confidence but it was bordering on arrogance in some quarters.

For me, though, this was the hardest fixture to be given; a trip to the League One champions with all the momentum behind them.

There are no gimme three points in the Championship and it should be remembered that the Bees picked up four points from a possible 18 from the sides relegated last season.

Sheffield United will be a force for any side, especially at Bramall Lane.

Debutants will learn a lot

Kamo Mokotjo

Kamo Mokotjo and Henrik Dalsgaard were handed their debuts and both of them showed flashes of quality at times but will now know how fast paced and physical the Championship is.

There were times where they were surprised by the strength of the Blades and they will have taken a lot on board from the game.

Ollie Watkins and Neal Maupay both came off the bench and both showed their desire to get on the ball and create chances.

They will take a lot from the game and it will serve them well going into the rest of the season.

Jota's commitment

Jota and Sergi Canos

Given the rumours surrounding the Spaniard's future, Jota showed that he was still giving everything for the side.

There was a moment in the second half where the wing wizard found himself at centre back trying to deal with a Sheffield United counter attack.

For me, it shows how much Jota cares about the club and, even if he were to leave, he will have given his all from day one to his final day.