Preston manager Graham Westley admitted Walsall were bright and purposeful and deserved their 3-1 victory at the Banks's Stadium.
Joel Byrom headed North End in front but James Baxendale equalised and a double - one from the penalty spot - from George Bowerman won it for the Saddlers in League One on Saturday.
But when asked if he thought his side were second best all afternoon, Westley replied: "That's one way of describing the game but slightly insulting to my side.
"We went ahead and probably had slightly the better of possession, although not developing any sustained possession. They managed to keep moving the ball and were more energetic and gave us problems all afternoon.
"It was not a good day for us and we were not effective in the way we played. You have to learn if you are going to win consistently and we have not got carried away by a good run of results. We have been aware of some shortfalls in our game.
"We were forced by their pressure into altering out game and we were not very effective. We are learning and we must make sure we emerge stronger. We have put in some decent performances and shown we have a lot of qualities."
Update:
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