Oxford United picked up a well-earned point as their game against league leaders Rotherham ended goalless. The U’s will be boosted by the fact that their makeshift defence kept a clean sheet against the divisions’ top-scoring side before kickoff. Here are three talking points from the game.
Luke McNally Has Come of Age This Week
With regular central defenders Elliott Moore and Jordan Thorniley, along with veteran centre-back John Mousinho, all absent after returning a positive covid test, a central defensive partnership of Luke McNally and Sam Long has stood up to the test this week.
McNally netted his first U’s goal during Tuesday night’s win over Fleetwood before putting in another solid display against the league leaders. The defender also headed a late effort off the line to help Oxford claim the point. He also deservedly picked up the Man of the Match award.
Likewise, Long has also shown his class in the middle of defence in the last two outings, although many fans would prefer to see him on the right when Karl Robinson is left with a fully fit squad to choose from.
Massive Point
Against the odds, the U’s fully deserved the point they picked up. Rotherham headed to Grenoble Road unbeaten in 15 games in all competitions, had scored the most goals and conceded the fewest in League One.
Given the fact that Oxford were without seven first-team players due to positive covid tests and a further four through injury, they turned out an impressive performance against arguably the best team in the division.
Unsurprisingly, Rotherham were the stronger side and struck the woodwork twice in the first half. That said, Oxford looked more of a threat after the break and could have even snatched all the points themselves.
Options for Robinson
With Alex Rodriguez Gorrin missing through injury and a limit to fit wingers, Robinson opted for a midfield three of Herbie Kane, Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane for the first time.
The trio worked expertly throughout the game, playing brilliant passes but also defending as a unit against one of the strongest midfields in the league.
Gavin Whyte playing as a lone striker in the absence of Matty Taylor has also become an option. Despite not scoring in the previous two games, the Northern Ireland international gives the manager a different option in attack should he decide to switch things and he looked lively against the Millers.
