Oxford United suffered a first defeat against Burton in eight meetings with a 2-0 loss at the Pirelli Stadium.
The U’s squandered several early chances but goals in each half from the Brewers secured their first win and first goals in four matches.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Formation and Line-Up
After a change in formation in their recent win over Ipswich, many fans were frustrated to see Karl Robinson revert to a 4-3-3, as he did in the defeat at Wycombe.
Brandon Fleming started at left-back while Sam Long moved to right back as Djavan Anderson dropped to the bench. Ciaron Brown and Elliott Moore were the central partnership.
In midfield, Cameron Brannagan, Lewis Bate and Marcus McGuane were once again selected with a front three of Billy Bodin, Kyle Joseph and Matty Taylor.
Early Chances
As has been the case often this season, Oxford failed to net the opener despite several early chances.
Taylor saw a sixth-minute effort saved, while Joseph, Bodin and Taylor all missed chances inside the opening 20 minutes.
Unsurprisingly, it wasn’t long until the Brewers took the lead, despite losing their top scorer to Bolton earlier this week, and Oxford were once again unable to get back into the game.
Robinson’s Last Dance?
Let’s be honest, Robinson has done a fantastic job for Oxford United, both on and off the pitch. Two playoff campaigns, cup runs and several broken records. However, this season feels very different.
Against the Brewers – a side that lost their last two league games with a 9-0 aggregate scoreline – there was no identity. The U’s haven’t been playing the free flowing football we have been accustomed to under the manager and resorted to long and hopeless balls up the pitch.
Even in the middle of the pitch, Bate, Brannagan and McGuane are all extremely good players, but all extremely similar. Defensively, they get caught out and offensively, they aren’t offering enough. That was the case again today.
Overall, the U’s can’t score and can’t defend. That has been the story of the season and the story of the afternoon.
