Since the turn of the New Year, Oxford United have struggled for results and have struggled for goals.
Karl Robinson’s promotion-chasing side have picked up just six points from a possible 21, and have scored just six goals in seven league games despite heading into the new year as one of the highest-scoring teams in League One.
Injuries have played a key part in the decline. The U’s have lost Cameron Brannagan, James Henry and Matty Taylor for spells heading into the new year, with the trio scoring 29 goals between them.
But, it wasn’t just injuries. Before the U’s 2-2 draw at Burton on Tuesday night, Taylor hadn’t scored in the league since netting a brace against strugglers Southend in late November, while fellow striker Jamie Mackie has netted just twice in just under 1,850 minutes of football.
Admittedly, Mackie isn’t necessarily known for his impressive goal tally. His work rate off the ball and hold up play is what’s pivotal when the U’s attack, and although Taylor had scored twice between the Southend and Burton results, he is an experienced striker that will always be in the right position.
But these two players are reliant on service from their team and the strong midfield to create chances, however, there is another Oxford striker waiting in the wings that could be the answer.
Dan Agyei only joined from Burnley in the summer, but the 22-year-old has found game time hard to come by. The striker has played 381 minutes in all competitions, but in the league, he has found the net twice in just 91 minutes of football.
Although manager Karl Robinson has declared that he would like the forward to leave on loan to increase his game time and experience, many fans are of the opinion he can offer something right now.
Unlike the other two strikers, Agyei adds pace and both of his goals have come from running in behind the defence and slotting past the goalkeeper from a one on one position.
Like Taylor, Agyei opened his U’s account at Southend, and the striker scored an equaliser just two minutes after coming off the bench at Burton.
With Mackie likely to miss this weekends match against Sunderland, it could be a good opportunity to give Agyei some game time, either as the striker or even on the wings where he has also covered this term. But, as proven by his two goals, the pacey front-man is certainly more effective when playing down the middle.
