Oxford United unveiled Liam Manning as their new manager before the U’s kicked off their match against Derby.
While the 37-year-old doesn’t officially begin his managerial tenure until Monday, it was a similar story for Oxford on the pitch with yet another defeat, despite a much-improved performance.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Set Piece Goal
Oxford started the game brightly, as they have on several occasions this season, but finally made their early pressure pay with a goal.
Not only was it early but it was a rare goal from a set piece. James Henry played a deep delivery from a free kick and Sam Long aggressively headed home a deserved opener.
Goals Conceded
While Oxford looked improved in some areas, all three goals were certainly avoidable but it highlights the defensive frailties.
Louie Sibley scored twice with the midfielder allowed far too much time and space on both occasions.
The third goal, while credited as a Long own goal, was also frustrating with the winger and striker both allowed far too much space in the build up.
Attacking Impetus
While Oxford lost, this was the most threatening the U’s have looked in attack for a long time.
In the first half, wingers Marcus Browne and Djavan Anderson both looked lively, despite a lack of end product, while Gatlin O’Donkor continued to put himself about.
It was the same in the second half when Kyle Joseph came on and he took his late goal really well.
Oxford had seven shots on target from 13 attempts which is an improvement in recent weeks. That said, the difference in quality was there to see with the Rams scoring three times from their four shots on target.
