Walsall's seismic Carabao Cup victory over Bristol City - in numbers

Aaron Pressley sealed a memorable 1-0 victory for Walsall in Lee Grant’s first game in charge over Championship side Bristol City.

That secured the Saddlers’ passage into the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Here are the key numbers behind the victory at Ashton Gate.

10

Jed Ward produced a debut for the ages with a spectacular performance between the sticks.

The new Saddlers No 1 made a total of 10 saves to keep Michael Skubala’s charges at bay - preventing 1.56 xG across the 90.

He seriously came to the fore during the Robins’ late onslaught, rubberstamping a masterful display with a superb reactive save to thwart Max Bird’s deflected shot.

20

Walsall defeated two League One clubs en route in the Carabao Cup third round under Mat Sadler in 2024, but they had not beaten a side two divisions above them since August 2006.

Richard Money was at the helm when Scott Dann scored his first senior goal in a 1-0 success at Championship side Plymouth Argyle on that occasion.

It was also the first time that Walsall had emerged with a victory over the Robins since 2005.

Declan Skura also emerged with the most defensive contributions, registering 20 overall on his competitive debut.

11

Along with Ward and Skura, Grant handed debuts to no fewer than 11 players in his new-look Walsall team.

Ryan Leak, Sven Sprangler, Isaac Moore and Reece Smith were also among the six summer signings to start - while Elicha Ahui made his first appearance in Walsall colours.

Meanwhile, James Connolly, Charlie Crew, Lewis Simper and Andrew Dallas made their Walsall bows from the bench.

1

Grant got his first win on the board in his opening game, which will hopefully serve as a platform ahead of the start of the League Two season.

Walsall were unable to find the net across the four pre-season friendlies played in front of spectators, but scored the decisive goal on the night.

52

Bristol City had 52 touches inside the Walsall box, but the team stood strong as a defensive unit throughout.

Skura won 14 of his headed clearances, as Connolly and Harrison Burke won six and five respectively.

Walsall also won 56 per cent of their aerial duels on the night.

1.54

City completed 88 per cent of their 618 passes and attempted 33 shots in the process, but Walsall were ruthless in the moments they attacked.

With just 28 per cent of the ball, Walsall generated an xG of 1.74 and created five big chances - according to FotMob.