So after 2 nights reflection i still think
Yes we were unlucky with Oakes getting injured in the Pre match warm up
BUT
this does not excuse the following
Shocking substitutions!!!
At 2-1 Merson brings himself on to DEFEND a lead. Personally i think we might as well of had a sending off!
Smith's Fitness
Ok i think im in the minority here but in the first 45 mins i think Smith showed what he will add to the Saddlers. A good first 45 performance in my eyes. However his fitness levels are still severly lacking. After the hour mark surely Taylor or Kinsella should of entered the game? Smith having been comanding in the first half was now having to be carried. In Midfield where games are won or lost this is not the place where an unfit player should be. That should be the reserves. First half he showed glimpses of why hes won so many Player of the season awards. But its a 90 min game!
Not predicting the predictable!
Trailing 2-0 at half time it was obvious Chesterfield would need to change it up in the second half to stand any chance of making a game of it. So you must look at their bench and put in plans to limit the effectiveness of their substitutions. Now the obvious one for me was the introduction of Wayne Allison. However Walsall could not cope with his inclusion. This was very apparent even before the first goal was scored. But after Chesterfield got their first, should Staunton of been considered to sweep up and aid a struggling defence especially in the absence of our goal keeper!?
Keep ball
Two styles of closing a game were employed during the game. One by either team. When Walsall were winning 2-1 we kept the ball playing passes inside our own half, after Merson entered the play. Right idea but in the wrong space!! Each pass looked dangerous, as it would leave us exposed and vunerable if Chesterfield intercepted. When Chesterfield were 3-2 up they also adopted keep ball passing but the difference was being they adopted it at our end with a bank of 4 defenders behind and midfielders too! Therefore looked much more solid and comfortable. We had to break them down but even if we got the ball we would still have alot to do even to move the ball forward due to Chesterfields pressing and marking. This difference from the two teams was telling and a great show of how to keep a lead.
Pointless changing about
In the first half Standing and Wright were both effective on their right and left flanks. Both looking dangerous but in different ways. Standing with his passing into the box and Wright with his darting runs. After half time they swaped flanks and were not effective at all, instead of being swapped back they were substituted. Walsall lost their attacking edge and this lead to our down fall.
Age and fitness of players
Walsalls squad have too many old and unfit players.
Roper, Merson and Smith need to lose weight. Merson, a second half Smith cannot play in the same team. The game will bypass the midfield. It is Simon Osborn i feel sorry for as i would not like to be a part of that midfield. He works so hard for the team and deserves better.
FINALLY
I could of picked up on at least 10 more points but it boils down to ...
I do not think last seasons mistakes have been learnt from.
I dont see how Merson can transfoerm us into a consistant team.
A Team and formation should be picked and kept to. Play for your shirt, play bad and lose it. Not play well and your out next week regardless but its ok as you will be back the week after anyway.
Walsall need a manager that has made his mistakes and already learnt from them.
THIS TEAM SHOULD WALK THIS TERRIBLE LEAGUE ONE. TEAMS ARE BEATING US THAT ARE JUST ABSOLUTELY PISS POOR AND ITS NOT ON.
Something needs to change and fast before this season is written off!