Oxford United extended their unbeaten league run to seven games with a 1-1 draw at promotion rivals, Sunderland.
Union Berlin loanee Leon Dajaku gave the hosts an early lead but Matty Taylor struck his ninth of the season before the break.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Tale of Two Halves
Oxford went toe to toe with Sunderland in the first half and continued to match the hosts after falling behind.
Both sides squandered chances, with Gavin Whyte and Nathan Holland both testing the Black Cats’ goalkeeper before Taylor scored a deserved leveller. In fact, the U’s looked the likeliest team to take the lead but the Sunderland defence blocked all that came their way.
However, after the break, Sunderland made changes and looked the livelier side as a result. Lee Johnson’s team retained the initiative and struck the woodwork twice as their control began to show.
Refereeing Decisions
Both sets of supporters were left aggrieved in the build-up to the goals conceded. When Dajaku put the hosts ahead, Cameron Brannagan went down in the box and a penalty looked likely, but the referee booked the U’s midfielder for simulation before Sunderland went up the other end to score.
Then, for Oxford’s goal, Holland outmuscled Lynden Gooch on the byline before squaring to Taylor to sweep home. Again, the home fans felt their side should have been awarded a free-kick and it was one of those that you see given.
Away Style Against the Big Sides
Although Karl Robinson was left angered with his side’s second-half display, it was another away result where the U’s ground out a result against a promotion rival.
In recent weeks, Oxford have picked up vital points at Ipswich, Burton and Sheffield Wednesday. In fact, the U’s have picked up eight points from those three games and Sunderland.
While they picked up the win against the Brewers, they showed a style of grit, determination and game management to see out the matches.
