Oxford United made it back-to-back league victories with a 2-1 win over Burton Albion.
For just the second time this season, the U’s took the lead in the game when Cameron Brannagan struck shortly after halftime before Kyle Joseph doubled the lead on 71 minutes.
Although the Brewers reduced the deficit, Oxford held on to claim the three points.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Formation and Line-Up
I realise this has been the opening talking point for much of the season, but after the disappointing end to the transfer window, it is once again our first juncture.
With the failure of landing another left-back or striker, it almost seemed laughable that both Steve Seddon and Matty Taylor missed the game through injury.
Simon Eastwood began in goal behind a back three of Stuart Findlay, John Mousinho and Sam Long. Ciaron Brown and James Henry were deployed as the makeshift wing-backs.
Marcus McGuane, who was awarded Player of the Month for August, started alongside Brannagan and Lewis Bate in midfield with Joseph partnered by Gatlin O’Donkor in attack.
How the Game Played Out
Oxford weren’t as dominant as they have been in previous matches, but sometimes that doesn’t matter if you are able to pick up points.
The U’s only just edged the division’s bottom club in possession, and they had fewer shots on goal than the Brewers. That said, Oxford’s shots on target was at 50 per cent, while Burton hit the target just once.
It was a frustrating afternoon, particularly in the first half, with the visitors stopping the flow on several occasions. However, once Oxford found the opener, the result was never in doubt, despite the late scare.
Substitutions
The big talking point was the return of a duo on the bench. Marcus Browne was named among the seven, as was Jodi Jones who Karl Robinson was looking to send out on loan before the deadline.
Browne came on and looked lively, winning several free kicks and being a nuisance throughout. However, the latter failed to make an appearance, with youngsters Tyler Goodrham and Slavi Spasov being called upon rather than the former Coventry man.
