Boss delighted with convincing win...
Jon Whitney hailed the Saddlers’ performance against Sheffield United as one of the best during his 13 years with the club.Whitney’s men produced a dominant display to thrash the table-topping Blades 4-1, with goals from Amadou Bakayoko, Jason McCarthy, Joe Edwards and Erhun Oztumer.
It was the Saddlers’ third win against Chris Wilder’s side this season – and Whitney was a very happy man afterwards.
“Man to man, I thought we were outstanding,” said the 46-year-old. “I think that was one of the best performances we have had during my time at the club – and that is 13 years.
“It’s a rare occurrence sometimes when you get every player as an eight or nine out of ten, and you have to be to beat a team like them.
“They’d only lost once in 22 games and that was against us, and since that defeat they had won six straight games.
“We had to believe we could beat them and in the second half especially, we dominated the game.
“Away from home it was a bit fortuitous, but today it was a thoroughly deserved and emphatic win against a top-of-the-table side.”
Edwards’ goal was his first in Saddlers colours – and Whitney was delighted with his overall performance.
“He could have had one before as it was possibly a penalty and a sending off as well, but he was excellent,” Whitney added.
“That’s probably the best game he’s had, in a different position for him as well. He’s Mr Versatile.
“I thought the big man at the back [debutant Eoghan O’Connell] grew into the game and showed why we’ve brought him in.
“He commanded the back three really well. Jimmy [O’Connor] and Matty [Preston] were also really commanding.”