Walsall debrief: Saddlers stand alone as EFL’s last unbeaten team

Tai Sodje continued his hot streak in front of goal with a 21st-minute opener, before Aaron Pressley doubled their lead six minutes later.

Pressley bagged his brace from the spot in the second half, but Elicha Ahui was sent off just past the hour-mark.

Here are the main talking points from the win...

Only remaining EFL invincible

The Saddlers are now the only remaining team in the Football League yet to taste defeat in the league.

Barnet and Crewe Alexandra saw their unbeaten records ended following defeats on Tuesday, as Walsall closed the gap behind the automatic places to just two points.

Back to winning ways

There was a growing concern that the sheer amount of draws were beginning to undermine the Saddlers’ unbeaten start.

Seven of their opening 10 games had ended level - including the previous three - but Walsall made easy work of Oldham in the end.

That suddenly puts a very different complexion on their run of form, which comprises of back-to-back home wins and three draws on the road.

As is often the case in football, win your home games and pick up points on the road and you should be there or there about’s.

That suggests Walsall are heading in the right direction.

Sodje transformation continues

Eight days ago, Sodje was still searching for his first Walsall goal. Now, the 23-year-old has four in his last three appearances across all competitions.

Grant revealed that he had a “tough conversation” with Sodje prior to his goal spree, but whatever was said has clearly done the trick.

Not only does Sodje look more comfortable in front of goal, but that confidence is being exuded in other areas of his game as well.

His pace in behind allowed Walsall to unlock the Latics’ defence time and time again and his work off-the-ball was also key.

Pressley remains the talisman

Grant and his coaching staff have enhanced the form of so many players at Walsall, but perhaps nobody has benefitted more than Pressley.

The Scotsman bagged his second brace of the campaign and extended his season tally to eight across all competitions.

In doing so, Pressley surpassed his total from last term and also equalled his personal record for goals in a single in a single season (for Accrington Stanley in 2022-23).

That Ward assist

The goal scorers were not the only ones who made the headlines on Tuesday night.

Goalkeeper Ward has been heralded for his heroics between the sticks, but it was his assist for the opening goal that had everybody talking afterwards.

His quick-thinking was coupled with perfect execution, as his zipping pass from inside his own box released Sodje to score.

Ward also made a couple of important save to register his sixth league clean sheet and eighth in all competitions.

Right-back conundrum

The only blot of the evening came when Ahui was shown a straight red card for pulling down last-man Favour Fawumni just past the hour.

Declan Skura is likely to deputise during Ahui’s one-game suspension against Salford City on Monday - with Roman Dixon still yet to be passed fit and Rico Browne on loan at Woking.