Walsall talking points: Another blank as Saddlers settle for a point

Another blank

The quality of football that Walsall are playing under Lee Grant is night and day compared to the past, but they’re still yet to consistently marry that up with a killer instinct in front of goal.

They dominated the ball with 70 per cent possession and registered 24 shots across the 90 minutes, but failed to find the net for the second successive game.

Performance levels must remain the foundation, and offers optimism, but it’s important that Walsall translate that type of dominance into goals.

Draw specialists

Walsall are still unbeaten under Lee Grant, although the majority of those games have ended in draws.

They have collected two wins and four draws so far in League Two, with each of the past three games finishing level.

The good thing is that Walsall are making themselves difficult to beat, as illustrated by their record of six clean sheets from eight games across all competitions.

But they’re just lacking that ability to turn draws into wins, although there are signs that this team have plenty more gears that they can reach.

Ward focus

The sign of a good goalkeeper is to make saves in games where they’re not particularly busy and that was the case with Jed Ward against Rochdale.

He was called upon just once, but remained focused when required, to produce an excellent save to deny Dajaune Brown late in the first half.

Sodje chance

Tai Sodje was given the chance from the start and showed his quality in flashes, but it feels he could be a slow-burner.

He has come up from the sixth-tier and it’s fair to suggest he will need time to adapt.

A goal would do him the world of confidence, as it would for Andy Dallas, but while some new signings have hit the ground running, others may require patience.

Flint return

Former Walsall defender Aden Flint made his debut for Rochdale after signing for the visitors earlier this week.

The 6ft 6in defender made 48 appearances for the Saddlers in all competitions last term, scoring twice.

He was released at the end of the season, but had an intriguing physical battle with Aaron Pressley throughout.

There were boos in the early stages whenever he touched the ball, although they did fizzle out later in the contest.