Walsall 3-3 Bradford Five Things: subs the key

Instant impact from Roberts – expressandstar.com

A remarkable comeback from three goals down saw Walsall earn a point against Bradford. What are the key talking points from the match? Here’s our five.

Shot-shy Saddlers

In the first half, Walsall competed reasonably well in the middle third but got a lot of things wrong when they moved into advanced areas. Players in wide positions would pass sideways rather than attack the flank while those in central areas were guilty of wasting the opportunity to shoot whilst trying to walk the ball home. They could have taken the lead midway through the first half though, had Amadou Bakayoko or Luke Leahy been able to convert from close-range.

Clinical Bradford

The Bantams were guilty of losing second balls in central areas, but one sensed that when they got forward, especially down the right, they cut open the defence. Their clinical side showed shortly before half-time when Charlie Wyke crossed for Shay McCartan, who tapped home. Dominic Poleon shortly afterwards pounced for a second, after Walsall’s defence only half-cleared Tom Field’s cross.

Leahy’s resilience

Walsall showed more intent in the final third after the break. Though Bradford added a third through Matt Kilgallon, which was deflected off the unfortunate Leahy, the hosts and their left-back were undeterred. Leahy was outstanding in the second half and headed in Nicky Devlin’s cross to the far post on 55 minutes.

Subs the key

Walsall improved once Tyler Roberts entered the fray for his debut, providing clever movement and creative link-up play. He also demonstrated his eye for goal just after the hour mark, heading in at the near post from Leahy’s left wing cross. Bradford, on the other hand, suffered from the withdrawal of Alex Gilliead and McCartan, players who gave them an outlet when under pressure in the first half. They didn’t have as much pace on the pitch and weren’t able to keep the ball for long enough to take the sting out of the game.

Bakayoko’s leveller

Roberts turned provider for the Saddlers, crossing from the right for Bakayoko to power home with four minutes of normal time remaining, prompting euphoria behind the goal. Bradford must learn to manage games better if they have ambitions of another top six finish and value their quick wide men more, rather than hoof balls up to Wyke. A point was the least Walsall deserved for their energetic display – in Roberts, they might just have a man who makes pressure pay.