Oxford United returned to action with a defeat at home against league leaders, Plymouth Argyle. The U’s took an early lead through Matty Taylor but, not for the first time this season, squandered their advantage. Here are three talking points from the game.
Formation
With a fully fit squad to choose from for the first time this season, the starting line-up was always going to be a talking point, with Karl Robinson previously stating he had yet to start his strongest team due to injury and illness.
The back five spoke for itself, with Jack Stevens starting in goal behind a back four of Steve Seddon, Jordan Thorniley, Elliott Moore and Sam Long, but the midfield shape took many by surprise.
Rather than playing with one holding midfielder, Robinson opted for a duo in Cameron Brannagan and Herbie Kane, while Nathan Holland, Gavin Whyte and James Henry played as a three behind Taylor.
As suggested by many, the midfield was often overrun throughout the game and the two holding midfielders were unable to get any influence on the team.
Defensive Vulnerabilities
As previously mentioned, the U’s squandered yet another lead. As a result, Oxford have failed to keep a clean sheet in six games and have managed just one in their last 12. Including the loss against the Pilgrims, it is now seven games in all competitions where they have failed to pick up all three points from winning positions.
As a defensive unit, Oxford have looked strong despite conceding but Plymouth did the basics right and got behind the back four far too often. Both full-backs were often stretched with Plymouth deploying two attacking full-backs themselves and they caused danger from the wide areas throughout.
Missed Oxford Chances
A recurring theme – Oxford missed far too many chances. Despite having two more efforts on goal than Plymouth, the U’s managed just two of their 14 attempts on target.
Seddon headed an effort over, Henry missed from a Whyte delivery and Moore struck wide. Henry, who was the match hero at Sheffield Wednesday last time out, squandered further chances while chances also went begging for Whyte.
