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Three Talking Points as Oxford Lose at Wycombe

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Oxford United suffered back to back defeats for the first time this season with a 2-0 loss at promotion rivals Wycombe.

The visitors, backed by a sold-out away end, fell behind on 33 minutes but could have easily have put the game to bed before the opener. A second goal after the restart finished the contest off and the U’s continue to search for a first win of 2022.

Here are three talking points from the game.

Oxford Chances

Before Curtis Thompson opened the scoring for the Chairboys, Oxford could have been three or four goals up. Matty Taylor saw an effort from a tight angle saved by David Stockdale before Nathan Holland watched his effort cleared off the line. The winger had two more opportunities, with Stockdale on hand to deny the West Ham loanee.

After the break, Elliott Moore headed an effort straight at the goalkeeper before Sam Winnall and Cameron Brannagan saw their attempts miss the target.

Goal Conceded

Once again, and rather unsurprisingly considering the opposition, Oxford conceded from a set-piece. A corner just after the half an hour mark was only partially cleared but the Oxford backline didn’t get out quick enough before Thompson slotted past Simon Eastwood.

Where the first goal came from one of Wycombe’s strengths, the second would have been seen as a surprise as the hosts launched a rapid counterattack. Mark Sykes saw an effort towards goal blocked before the Chairboys sprang up the other end and doubled the lead.

Possession Means Nothing Against Wycombe

When the sides played out a goalless draw in September, one of the talking points then was the number of chances and possession that Oxford had against their opponents.

The U’s had 67 per cent possession in the reverse fixture at Grenoble Road and while they still enjoyed more of the ball at Adams Park with 58 per cent, it only played into Wycombe’s hands.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side seem to play better when they’re not on the ball and Oxford failed to find a way through a resilient Chairboys backline for the second time this season. Say what you want about their style of football but it gets results.

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