It wasn’t the result that Saddlers fans, players or staff would have liked, but it was a performance that shows Matt Taylor is working his magic on the team. Tranmere was always going to be a tough opener, but Walsall held their own. So here are a few talking points from the game.
New players, new style!
The high turnover of players is nothing new to the fans, however the extent of the changes was a higher than some may have predicted. Only 2 players from last season started against Tranmere, with the two subs that were brought on also new players. The team is virtually brand new, and everything feels refreshed.
It is the second high turnover in the last couple of years, with a lot of new faces when Darrell Clarke signed. However, 5 players started in his debut game as manager that had been with the squad the previous season. This is a much higher number than the Taylor’s side.
Last season can now be well and truly put to bed. This is Taylor’s team, and they are all his players. He is also stamping his mark on the side. The team are playing through the thirds, and trying to keep the ball on the deck. The team are looking like a unit already and that is with very little time spent together playing matches.
The cup game tomorrow won’t be an easy game, but it is another chance for Taylor to implement his style in a competitive fixture before a return to league football.
Shots fired, but it needs to be better
A criticism of last season was ‘why don’t they shoot?’. In a lot of games, chances weren’t being created, and when they were, the team weren’t doing anything significant with them. Against Tranmere, Walsall had a total of 18 shots. This is much more than the fans are used to, however the quality of them does need improving.
Out of the 18, only three hit the target. Only one shot in six hitting the target is a stat that will need improving, however Walsall are still chasing another striker, and this player may hold the key. Putting the goal scoring burden on one person isn’t a good team strategy, as was evident last season. Walsall need goals all over the pitch. The promising thing is that they are shooting, and that is already a step in the right direction.
Wilkinson played as the main striker, however he can also be utilised on the right hand side of the attacking midfield three. Having him there, with another striker on too will help with the quality of the shots.
Doncaster, followed by Forest Green, will see the attack come up against two good defences, so chances may be at a premium. The Walsall attack will improve, especially as they gel, and work out each others strengths. Tyrece Shade only had a couple of training sessions with the team before his start on Saturday, and he played extremely well, so the signs are there that the attack will become more potent.
Battle for No1?
For all of pre-season, it has been even between Rose and Rushworth regarding game-time. Rushworth has been touted as a future star, and has been attracting attention from some big clubs. Walsall signing him on loan is a great move for the club, but it has raised the question about where Rose fits in at the club.
When he was given the No1 Jersey, it seemed as though Rose would indeed be the starting keeper, however Rushworth being allowed to come to Walsall also gave an impression that he wouldn’t be a back-up, and would be wanting to play.
With games coming thick and fast, the starting keeper is likely to change, but this could be good for both, as a battle to nail down the starting spot begins.
