Oxford United bowed out of the FA Cup with a 3-0 defeat at home against Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The U’s held Mikel Arteta’s side after the first 45 minutes but the Gunners’ strength eventually saw them through.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Excellent First Half Display
The FA Cup can produce moments of magic, shock and surprise but that wasn’t the case in the first half at Grenoble Road as Oxford produced a display that we have been used to seeing in recent years.
The U’s looked aggressive, strong in possession and took the game to their opponents. While this has been the case for large parts of the season, facing Arsenal asked a few different questions.
However, they stopped Arsenal from having any shots on target and frustrated the Premier League leaders.
Arsenal Quality and Oxford Mistakes
Matty Taylor was presented with a great opportunity to open the scoring shortly after the restart and if the striker found the back of the net, it could have been a different outcome.
However, it wasn’t. Arsenal were awarded a soft free-kick which was headed home for the opener before two quick-fire goals, both of which came from Oxford losing possession, sealed the win for the visitors.
Of course, mistakes are part and parcel of football and they won’t always get punished but against a team as strong as the Gunners, they will.
Heads Held High
Despite the defeat, the Oxford players can leave the pitch with their heads held high after a promising display against one of the country’s best football teams.
Djavan Anderson ensured another solid display at right-back while the midfield three of Cameron Brannagan, Marcus McGuane and Lewis Bate went toe to toe with the Gunners, particularly in the first half.
Taylor had his chance and caused plenty of problems but his lack of goals remains an issue. That said, there was real positivity when Gatlin O’Donkor came on and it was another decent display from the youngster. On to Fleetwood.
