Having won back-to-back games with successive 4-0 victories, it could have been a different story when promotion rivals Peterborough came to town.
However, the U’s hit five without reply against the Posh on what was a perfect afternoon for Des Buckingham’s side.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Line-up and Formation
With Elliott Moore and Cameron Brannagan missing through injury, the starting lineup could have caused concern for some fans.
Jamie Cumming started in goal with Sam Long moving from right back to centre back alongside Ciaron Brown. Fin Stevens came in on the right with Greg Leigh on the left.
Josh McEachran was tasked with the ‘Brannagan role’ and Tyler Goodrham and Ruben Rodrigues just ahead of him.
The front three remained the same with Josh Murphy, Owen Dale and Mark Harris.
Stevens was solid defensively, Long looked comfortable in the middle, McEachran put in arguably his best display in a yellow shirt and both Goodrham and Rodrigues kept to the basics. Once again, the front three were untouchable.
Having lost key players, it was a big call for Des Buckingham to stick with the same formation and system that has worked well against lesser teams but without the personnel against the Posh, however it paid off.
Work Rate and Effort
Posh started brightly but Oxford’s work rate was exceptional. There has been a lot of talk post-Liam Manning about the lack of a press but the U’s did it at the right times and forced the visitors into making several mistakes.
For the penalty, Murphy chased down a back pass which he had no right to win, while his press forced the goalkeeper into a mistake for the second.
The pressure continued across the first half and throughout the second 45 minutes and the U’s were well deserving of the three points and dominating display, even hitting the woodwork twice and missing chances.
Fans
Under Buckingham, there has been a fair share of negativity from some sections of the fanbase but against Peterborough, buoyed on by an inspirational video from the club, the support was fully united.
Fortunately, there was no need for heads to drop but the fans were in full colour, full voice and full passion throughout. They made the difference. They will need to do the same in two more home games against Lincoln and Stevenage, respectively.
(Clean Sheet)
An honourable mention deserves to go to the back four. Despite two changes and the skipper missing through injury, it was another dominant defensive display from the U’s as they kept a third consecutive clean sheet.
Shutouts have been few and far between for Oxford in recent seasons but there is a solidarity amongst the defensive unit.
