Walsall talking points: Formations, Jed Ward wows and Aaron Pressley is off the mark

The Lee Grant era started with a bang, after Walsall caused a significant upset by beating Championship side Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Thursday.

Aaron Pressley scored the only goal two minutes into the second half to lead Walsall into the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Here are the five key takeaways from the Saddlers’ memorable success.

Walsall don’t think in formations

Grant said something very interesting at full-time, which was: “We don’t talk about formations”.

Walsall set-up in a 4-2-3-1 throughout pre-season, but switched to a 3-4-3 for their first competitive game under Grant.

Yet, the formation appears to be purely nominal under Grant because the interchanging of positions was a sight to behold.

Harrison Burke regularly stepped up into midfield to plug the gaps between the lines and everyone covered for each other in an ultra-fluid off-the-ball performance.

Ward wows

It was a debut that new Walsall No 1 Jed Ward won’t forget in a hurry - and neither will his new fan base.

The Bristol-born shot-stopper actually spilled an early corner into his goalmouth, but was flawless with everything he did from that point onwards.

Despite a tremendous collective performance, it was his saves that were instrumental to guiding Walsall to victory.

In total, Ward made 10 saves - including an excellent reactive stop to flick Max Bird’s deflected shot away with his trailing leg - and prevented 1.56 goals, according to the xG.

Loans have landed

Declan Skura and Isaac Moore both impressed from the start on their debuts and fellow loan arrival Charlie Crew also looks a talent from the evidence of his cameo from the bench.

Wycombe Wanderers loanee Skura made the most defensive contributions (20) - registering more clearances (14) and more headed clearances (10) than any player on the pitch.

Moore and Sven Sprangler are beginning to form a very solid midfield partnership, even at this early stage, and Crew will inevitably provide stern competition.

Big goal for Pressley

Pressley had a challenging debut campaign and a goalless pre-season did little to convince Walsall fans, but his match-winning goal could prove to be a crucial juncture in his spell at the club.

He weighed in with a respectable seven goals last term, but also developed a knack for missing gilt-edged chances.

A pair of golden chances in quick succession failed to find the net in the first half, but he kept his head when the next chance came his way early in the second half.

This could be just the confidence booster he needs to kick-on at Walsall and he also struck up a really good understanding with Reece Smith, who was a menace on the left wing.

Fitness levels

It was a real shift put in by every single Walsall player and a good illustration of how Grant and his coaching staff have worked this squad physically over pre-season.

He also proactive with his substitutions and each came on to play their part in the victory.

The only blotch on the night was the groin issue sustained by Ryan Leak, who looked impressive for the first 30 minutes.