Walsall player ratings: Three 9s in stunning Saddlers win at Bristol City

Jed Ward

Produced a string of outstanding saves - including a crucial stop to deny a deflected shot from Max Bird with his trailing leg.

Masterclass: 9

Harrison Burke

Disciplined with his positioning, constantly stepping in and out to plug the gaps between the lines, as Walsall switched to a back-three.

Disciplined: 8

Ryan Leak

Made two important interventions to thwart Cameron Pring and Lisav Eissat, but was forced off just after the half-hour mark.

Blow: 7

Declan Skura

Showed good pace, dealt diligently with a number of balls played in behind and cleared countless crosses into the penalty area.

Diligent: 9

Elicha Ahui

Had his work cut out up against ex-Walsall loanee Pring, but played his part in stretching the hosts’ back-line on the transition.

Grew: 7

Sven Sprangler

Covered every blade of grass. Quietly went about his business in the centre of the park, but his impact could be significant this season.

Significant: 8

Isaac Moore

Another willing runner and an exciting prospect both defensively and offensively. His first half effort was expertly saved by Sam Tickle.

Exciting: 8

Mason Hancock

Released Reece Smith down the left in the build-up to the goal with an excellent ball on a night where he put in an excellent shift.

Shift: 8

Courtney Clarke

Rarely had a chance to threaten on the ball, but selflessly helped protect the right flank with a tireless display off-the-ball.

Tireless: 7

Aaron Pressley

Never stopped all night and deservedly got his goal, which he took very well, after missing a golden chance in the first half.

Match-winner: 9

Reece Smith

Showed once again his love for taking on defenders and set-up the match-winner from Pressley with a low feed from the left.

Assist: 8

Substitutes

James Connolly (Leak, 32)

Stepped into the breach seamlessly with the armband and made a crucial goal-line clearance in the second half.

Seamless: 8

Rico Browne (for Ahui, 62)

Immediately adapted to the tempo of the game with a solid defensive display.

Adapted: 7

Charlie Crew (for Moore, 62)

Looks an exciting talent from the evidence of his debut cameo from the bench.

Talent: 7

Lewis Simper (for Clarke, 62)

Cannot underestimate the importance of his ball-carrying in the latter stages.

Important: 7

Andrew Dallas (for Smith, 66)

Provided an out ball at a crucial period in the game.

Outlet: 7

Unused: Kilroy, Harper, Sodje, Adomah.