The U's Matchzone

Three Talking Points as Oxford United Win Against Peterborough

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Oxford United progressed to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 win over Peterborough.

First half goals from Tyler Goodrham and debutant Matt Phillips proved to be enough at Grenoble Road.

Here are three talking points from the game.

Starting Line-Up

Despite Des Buckingham suggesting that there would not be wholesale changes from the side that kicked off their Championship campaign with a win over Norwich, the Oxford head coach in fact made eight.

Matt Ingram made his debut in goal in place of Jamie Cumming while three of the back four were altered. Sam Long moved to centre back alongside Jordan Thorniley, with Peter Kioso and Greg Leigh as the full backs.

There was a change in the midfield trio, too, with Louie Sibley, Josh McEachran and Idris El Mizouni all coming in.

Ruben Rodrigues led the line with Mark Harris rested, with the goalscorers in Goodrham and Phillips starting on the wings.

Malcolm Ebiowei also made his Oxford debut, replacing Phillips at half time and the young winger caused plenty of threats in the second 45.

Clean Sheet

It was a talking point we could have mentioned after Norwich but another clean sheet is certainly worth noting.

It’s all the more impressive given the changes to the backline, with Long the only player that kept his place in the starting lineup despite moving positions.

Ingram was tested, Kioso didn’t look comfortable in large parts and Leigh often lost the ball, but it still shows the depth of squad that Buckingham has at his disposal.

Midfield Trio

Will Vaulks, Cameron Brannagan and Ruben Rodrigues looked like a Championship trio against Norwich but the performances of McEachran, El Mizouni and Sibley will give Buckingham potential selection problems.

McEachran certainly isn’t going to dislodge Vaulks from the holding role but it was a very good display against the Posh for the Oxford-born midfielder. The other two also provided plenty of positives.

El Mizouni was quick with his feet, drove forward and helped with the press, while Sibley was also tricky with the ball, picked space and set up Phillips for his goal.

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