Oxford United’s latest pre-season friendly ended in defeat as Premier League side Crystal Palace came from one goal down to win 2-1 at Selhurst Park.
Karl Robinson’s side were by far the better side in the first half and took the lead after 12 minutes when Matty Taylor nodded down a Sam Long cross into the path of Cameron Brannagan, allowing the skipper to smash the ball home.
The U’s continued to push and probe as the half wore on, but took a deserved lead into the break. However, several changes at the break slowed momentum, and a strong Palace side struck twice inside the opening five minutes, in addition to having a penalty saved. Oxford pushed for a second goal but it didn’t come.
Despite the result, it was a solid display from the U’s. Here are five talking points from the game.
Stevens to Push Eastwood
Jack Stevens came in for Simon Eastwood, who picked up a knock in the U’s win over Banbury last week. It didn’t take long for the 23-year-old to make his first meaningful save, tipping Jeffrey Schlupp’s effort past the post.
In the second half, the former Leicester City man would be denied again. This time, he had the chance to score from 12 yards when John Mousinho fouled Wilfried Zaha, but his tame effort was easily stopped by the goalkeeper.
He was unable to stop either goal, both of which came quickly from one-on-one situations. That said, many fans were keen to see another goalkeeper come in during the summer to push Eastwood for the number one spot, but they may already have one at the club.
Brannagan Back to His Best
Last season, Cameron Brannagan was in sensational form. The U’s midfielder netted seven goals by mid-December and had provided four assists. However, injury was a major setback for the 24-year-old and, as a result, struggled to regain the early form he had shown at the start of the season.
But the break appears to have done him the world of good. Admittedly, he was closing in on being back to his best for the playoffs, providing the assist in the first leg against Portsmouth and scoring the decisive spot-kick in the second leg. But against Palace, the stand-in skipper was sharp, quick and played a variety of skilled passes. It could be a big season for the former Liverpool man, who signed a two-year contract extension at the start of the month.
Cooper Looking Lively
In what was, for many, the first viewing of new signing Joel Cooper, there was a lot to be admired. The 24-year-old, who arrived from Linfield back in July, looked lively as he saw out 45 minutes at Selhurst Park.
Good on the ball, making incisive forward runs and with an eye for a pass, the winger didn’t look out of place against Roy Hodgson’s side. Like his previous Northern Irish counterparts in Gavin Whyte and Mark Sykes, Cooper will be looking for a strong start to life at Oxford.
Atkinson a Replacement for Dickie
Even though Rob Dickie has played a part in all four of the U’s friendlies so far, speculation about his departure is ongoing and seems all the more likely.
Naturally, it will leave a huge hole to fill when the 24-year-old does depart. That said, the emergence of January signing Rob Atkinson could provide the answer. It looks likely that Elliott Moore will become the first choice centre back, while John Mousinho’s game time should become limited. That would leave Atkinson as the second choice defender.
His performance against Palace was relatively sound. The 22-year-old was physically assertive against the Premier League outfit, and made a vital block against Jordan Ayew when the hosts probed for an equaliser. Like Dickie, he didn’t look out of place, and remained calm on the ball.
Forde’s Creativity
Anthony Forde was a summer signing last season, but injuries hampered his first full campaign with the U’s. The 25-year-old managed 30 appearances in all competitions, despite being sidelined for two months.
However, he only managed two goals and two assists. But, from what we have already seen from pre-season, the versatile midfielder looks lethal from deliveries. Every corner, every cross and every pass were on point and, over the course of the season, he will bag himself a number of assists for the U’s. It’s likely he will feature more this season, so long as he can keep himself free from injury.
