On the week that children return to school, it’s possible that Chris Davies has learned the most.
Despite a depleted squad due to international call-ups and injuries, Davies’ squad was strong and should have had enough to put Walsall to the sword.
Blues had spells of dominance in possession; however, they never really looked like opening up Walsall and struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities. Walsall did well at times to control possession and fashioned a few decent chances for themselves.
Walsall opened the scoring with a quick counter-attack, finished well by ex-Blues midfielder Charlie Lakin. Blues’ equaliser came from Christoph Klarer, who responded quickest to a loose ball in the box, rifling it into the roof of the net.
Davies made a plethora of changes, which began to turn the tide, with Blues dominating the final 25 minutes, but they never really created anything of real substance.
Davies will have learned a lot this evening. He’ll be impressed with how we continued to dominate the ball across the pitch (more so in the second half than the first); however, he may be concerned that we struggled to create any real clear-cut opportunities. He may also have learned that May and Stansfield in the 10/11 roles centrally didn’t have the impact he might have hoped for.
Ratings
Starting XI
Ryan Allsop: 6
Again, comfortable in possession and happy to step forward and join the defence when in possession. He didn't look too confident dealing with crosses, flapping at a few deliveries throughout the game. Couldn't do anything about their goal.
Taylor Gardner-Hickman: 6
Although right back isn't completely alien to Taylor, it was a different role for him today. He performed his duties well, looking solid both in and out of possession. He naturally looked a threat going forward and delivered a few decent crosses.
Christoph Klarer: 6
Played some decent forward balls at times although didn't carry the ball as much as we usually see. He didn't look as settled as we have seen from him in recent weeks. Took his goal well, reacting to a lose ball from the corner and thumping it into the roof of the net.
Ben Davies: 5
Davies was very conservative with his choice of pass yet still gave the ball away on numerous occasions. Not the start he'd have been hoping for.
Brandon Khela: 5
Playing out of position again, this time Khela struggled to get a foothold in the game. Beaten too easily for Walsall's goal and never looked confident either with or without the ball.
Tomoki Iwata: 6 - Man of the Match
He grew into the game and began orchestrating the midfielder in the second half. He was busy out of possessions and looked assured with the ball. Has the ability to try his look from distance forcing a smart stop from Walsall's keeper.
Marc Leonard: 6
Kept the ball ticking over well across the pitch. Happy to receive on the turn and look to play forwards passes. Floated a lovely free-kick which was unlucky to strike the crossbar. Another decent performance from Marc.
Scott Wright: 6
Confident enough to take on and beat the fullback on a few occasions but struggled to deliver anything of any real quality.
Ayumu Yokoyama: 6
Again, aggressive and direct with the ball and happy to take on the full back. Continued to show his confidence trying his luck from the edge of the box, with one effort deflecting into the side netting. The cut inside became a little predictable before his withdrawal.
Alfie May: 5
Really struggled to make an impact from the 10 role. He worked hard out of possession as we have come to expect and covered a lot of ground. Struggled to create any substantial chances. Frustrated a few by holding onto the ball too long trying to fashion an opportunity for himself.
Jay Stansfield: 6
It was a close one between a 5 and a 6, however I do think his lack of impact was due to a lack of service. His link up play was OK, but he never really had any clear cut chances. Probably should have to a little better with a few, especially one on the turn during the first half.
Subs
Krystian Bielik: 6
His introduction improved Blues both defensive and gave a little more purpose to us in possession, being a little more aggressive with his passing.
Alex Cochrane: 6
Again looked assured and linked up well with Hansson down the left. He looked assured defensively and apart from one error in possession, equally as comfortable on the ball.
Paik Seung-Ho: 6
Paik came on and added a little more intent to Blues, being a little more aggressive with the ball. Began to link up with with Iwata who both posed a threat on the edge of the area on a few occasions.
Emil Hansson: 6
Looked a little more threatening than we've seen in recent weeks. He was direct with the ball and delivered a few nice crosses, one where Stansfield looked certain to glance in a header if it wasn't for their defenders block.
Lukas Jutkiewicz: 6
Looked an aerial threat when he came on, as per his responsibility for the squad. Got himself into some good central positions however never quite received the quality of ball to make an impact.
