Last week, I wrote a piece about Oxford United’s defensive improvements compromising the U’s attacking opportunities. The article was written after the goalless draw at Blackpool.
The point on the road against a side that had won five of their previous six was a positive result to take home, boosted by just a second clean sheet of the season.
However, has the U’s attack been compromised? Oxford headed into Tuesday nights game against Northampton Town having scored just 16 goals from 16 games. A quarter of those goals even came during a 4-1 at Accrington back in September.
But against the Cobblers, Oxford found the perfect balance between attack and defence with a sound 4-0 victory in front of 2,000 supporters at Grenoble Road. Not only would a third clean sheet in four games be a huge boost for a defence which was enforced into changes, but scoring four goals, all of which were uniquely different, will certainly please the manager and supporters.
Despite being goalless at the break, Oxford would have been happy with the first half. John Mousinho, who had replaced the injured Rob Atkinson in defence in the starting line-up, was taken off at the break after picking up a knee injury. Sean Clare replaced him with Sam Long moving to the middle.
And it was the substitute that provided the opener just four minutes after coming on. Having looked more threatening this season when attacking, Clare put a looping delivery into the box and Matty Taylor was on hand to head home from close range.
Mide Shodipo added a second with a goal typical of his strengths. Playing on the left, the on-loan QPR man cut inside before curling the ball into the far corner to double the U’s lead.
Taylor added a third late on. Substitute Dan Agyei crossed from the right-hand side having seen Taylor peel away from the centre back before heading home his second of the game and his seventh of the season.
The provider added a fourth in stoppage time and Oxford saved the best until last. The forward cut inside and beat two men before whipping the ball into the far top corner. It was a goal of Premier League quality.
It wasn’t just the four goals that were pleasing, but also the conviction. Despite having just five shots on target from 23 efforts on goal, Oxford successfully converted 80 per cent of those chances. The variety of goals was also pleasing. As I said last week, if Taylor gets the service then he will score. Both of his goals came from inside the box but his movement off the ball gives the striker an extra yard. Both goals were well worked but credit also to Clare and Agyei for their vision.
The wingers have been in and out of games this season but they played a crucial part against Northampton. That is what Robinson has needed from his wide men all season, both providing and scoring goals. The width also stretches the opposition defence and creates space for them to run into.
