The biggest problem on the pitch?

Walsall are struggling. Despite a short run where they managed to string together three wins, the squad still aren’t looking like a unit, and there are issues in every department. But what is the biggest problem on the pitch?

Fitness an issue

Walsall are seeing an increasing number of players on the treatment table. Holden was an issue before the season started, but with Wilkinson and now Kinsella out on the sidelines, Walsall are seeing numbers of available players decreasing. At the weekend, Taylor was forced into taking off Kiernan, Phillips and Osadebe, all because of knocks or fitness concerns.

But injuries are not the only fitness worry. The Saddlers have often tired in games which has seen leads slip, points drop, and the hope of coming back into games drift away.

Combined, it is worrying fans. Players are always going to suffer with injuries and knocks, it is a contact sport after all, but the fact that a lot of this is happening so early in the season, and in high numbers is not a good sign.

Points and places dropped

The stats are very concerning when looking at goals conceded, and points dropped later on in matches. The two goals scored by Bristol Rovers in the 80th minute and beyond make it five late goals conceded. Walsall have seen a 90th minute goal against Scunthorpe, an 84th minute goal against Mansfield, and then the dramatic late goal by James Clarke for Newport all go in in the latter stages of each match.

These goals have seen Walsall drop six points in total, with only the one against Mansfield not changing the overall result of the match. Although it is tough to categorically say that Walsall would have held on to these points, it makes a big difference to the league table if they did. Even holding on to three more points would see them at least 6 places better off.

Matt Taylor needs to work on set pieces too of course, but fitter players will make all aspects of the game improve. The sloppy defending late on could be rectified if players have enough in the tank. It is worrying, and the signs of a reduced pre-season is showing, the hope is that Taylor can improve the fitness of his team, and fast.