Walsall talking points: Grant home debut, midfield dynamics and the bigger picture

Walsall head coach Lee Grant marked his debut in the Bescot dugout with a 5-0 defeat against Premier League side Aston Villa.

Brian Madjo bagged a first half brace and was joined on the scoresheet by George Hemmings, Luka Lynch and Aidan Borland in an emphatic victory for Unai Emery’s charges.

Here are the key talking points...

Bright start, but fizzled out

Walsall actually carried the greater attacking threat in the opening exchanges, although that soon fizzled out once Villa found the breakthrough midway into the first half.

Grant set-up in a 4-2-3-1 in attack with Alex Pattison occupying the right and Andrew Dallas playing slightly behind Aaron Pressley in attack.

The emphasis was clearly on pressing high and making it difficult for Villa to build from the back, which initially produced promising early signs.

However, Villa eventually showcased their class in the final third and ruthlessly punished Walsall.

Grant home debut

It was the first time that Walsall supporters caught a glimpse of new head coach Grant in the home dugout.

He was extremely vocal from the touchline, particularly during the first half. One of the key messages was to push high, which points towards his attacking tendencies, albeit on this occasion without the desired effect.

Exposed down the flanks

Pre-season is such a strange juxtaposition. You’re required to analyse and dissect, but it’s also important not to put too much stock on performances, and especially results.

But one area which Villa exposed Walsall was down the flanks, particularly the Saddlers’ left-hand side.

Mason Hancock presented Kosta Nedeljkovic with far too much space to check inside and deliver his cross for Madjo to break the deadlock.

Villa then carved Walsall open down the same side for the second goal when a quick exchange between Leon Bailey and Emi Buendia easily outfoxed Hancock.

Midfield dynamics

There were at least glimpses of a promising dynamic developing between Sven Sprangler and Coventry City loanee Isaac Moore as the double pivot.

The experience of Sprangler coupled with the box-to-box style and youthfulness of Moore could dovetail nicely next season.

The challenge for Grant will be to inject more speed in attack, so that both players’ qualities can seriously come to the fore.

Bigger picture

Grant mentioned it in his post-match interview, but there is a “bigger picture” at play.

Fitness is the most important aspect in any friendly and Walsall were certainly tested in that respect against a youthful, but very talented Villa outfit.

The upcoming friendlies against AFC Telford United Notts County will provide a clearer picture of how far Walsall are down the line.

Walsall have welcomed nine new faces in total as part of a major summer overhaul and patience could be required before things fully flick.