The sun was shining over a cold Ricoh Arena as Walsall looked set to make a lively start, with Jamie Paterson setting up the first chance of the game when Butler headed his free-kick wide of the far post.
The Saddler's defence looked shaky from the off, as Coventry found their way and creating three clear openings. McGoldrick easily found his way passed Taundry a few times and managed to fire off a couple of chances for the Sky Blues with Frank Moussa also finding enough space, to have a shot in-between.
Walsall were able to take advantage of Coventry's misses to grab the lead in the 14th minute as Taylor curled in a cross towards the penalty area but Coventry defender, Adams, got there first and managed to beat former Saddler's 'keeper Murphy, as he tried to keep out Will Grigg.
City started to build momentum, and it paid off in the 29th minute thanks to some schoolboy defending. Walsall were left ruing their poor defensive choice of leaving Patterson to mark both McSheffrey and Baker as they attempted a short corner. McSheffrey collected the short ball, but his cross was cleared half-heartedly by the Saddler's struggling defence and it dropped for Baker who was easily able to turn inside and slot past McCarey.
Ten minutes later, the Sky Blues found themselves in front as Walsall gave up possession on the halfway line as Baker was able to cut straight though the middle of the park to find Bailey who in turn picked out McGoldrick for an easy finish.
Things got worse for the Saddler's a minute later as Coventry were celebrating their third. Baker's perfect cross towards McGoldrick at the far post left him able control the ball well with his chest and secure his 15th of the season. The Walsall players seemed adamant that Taundry received a push from McGoldrick, but I wasn't so sure. Thanks to replay on the scoreboard, it looked as though Taundry tried to make the most of his poor positioning.
Baker who was a thorn in the Saddler's side all afternoon nearly made it 4-1 just before halftime, but his low free-kick slid just past the post.
HALF-TIME: Coventry City 3 Walsall 1
Walsall opened the second half with the aim of trying to get themselves back in the game. Grigg attempted a long-range chip with Murphy well off his line, but it landed just wide. Meanwhile at the other McGoldrick was an inch or two away from completing his hat-trick when his swerving shot hit the top of the post.
Cyrus Christie snatched Coventry's 4th of the afternoon after Baker's ball found him touchline and the Saddler's defending left a lot to be desired as he was able to easily cut inside to fire a low shot inside the far post.
With Walsall out of the game, loanee Sam Mantom hadn't given up as he managed to force a couple good saves from Murphy via a quick shot and a free-kick from the edge of the area. Walsall finally found the net for themselves from the rebound of that free kick but Holden was flagged offside.
Things got worse for the Saddler's as skipper Butler was sent off in the 80th minute as he earned his second yellow card after he seemed to have a few words with the referee following a foul on McDonald.
Five minutes later home captain Baker completed an impressive afternoon as he twisted and turned around a subdued Walsall defence as he slotted home with his left foot and left the Saddler's fans heading for the exits.
FULL-TIME: Coventry City 5 Walsall 1
I think Smith won't be the only one with some reflecting to do over the rest of the weekend. There needs to be some serious questions answered if we are going to stop this rot, as it is now 15 games without a win in all competitions.
Smith's tactics and substitutions are at times ridiculous, and coming from a career of being an old fashioned centre back, you'd think he'd be able to organise a defence, in fact, it actually looked like he opted to organise the metaphorical 'piss up in the brewery' today. Embarrassing.
If I had to pick a star player for us today, it would of been Mantom. He looked the most liveliest in what seemed to be a very dead Walsall side. Donkey of the day goes to Taundry. Got beat more times than he's had hot dinners today. He's a committed lad, who tries to give his all, but I'm afraid he lacks any genuine quality, especially as part of the Saddler's back four.
Result: Coventry City 5 (Baker 29' 84' McGoldrick 39' 41' Christie 61') Walsall 1 (Adams OG 16')
Attendance: 10,986 (1,072 Walsall Supporters)
Referee: Nigel Miller
By: Berian Lowe