Oxford United returned to winning ways with a comfortable 4-1 win at home against Burton Albion.
The U’s raced into an early lead through Sam Baldock before Gavin Whyte, Baldock and Matty Taylor added further goals before the break.
The Brewers did net a consolation before halftime but Oxford were far too good for their opponents.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Robinson Has Found His Best Line-Up and Formation
We may be approaching the backend of the season but it’s apparent that Karl Robinson has found his strongest formation and starting line-up.
Despite concerns over recent performances, Jack Stevens undoubtedly remains Oxford’s number one in goal.
In defence, Elliott Moore would obviously occupy one of the centre back roles but his injury has pathed the way for Ciaron Brown to get some game time since his deadline day arrival from Cardiff. In a new-look back three alongside Sam Long and the formidable Luke McNally, the formation has worked wonders.
At wing-back, Steve Seddon has rightfully been replaced and both Ryan Williams on the left and Mark Sykes on the right haven’t put a foot wrong, despite playing out of position.
The midfield duo of Herbie Kane and Cameron Brannagan speaks for itself while another player playing out of position in Whyte seems to have made the number ten role his own, and the Northern Irishman netted his first U’s goal of the season, along with yet another assist.
Up top, Robinson rarely plays with two strikers but given that Baldock and Taylor have scored eight goals in the four games they have started together, it feels reckless to change the attack.
Not to mention, there are several players still to come into this side. Marcus Browne made his return and netted an early goal against Portsmouth before picking up a hamstring injury, while the likes of Billy Bodin – who was bang in form before his injury – and James Henry are still yet to appear.
Goals Goals Goals
Despite losing 3-2 at Portsmouth on Tuesday night, the U’s moved to the top of the scoring charts in League One. Another four against the Brewers means Robinson’s side have now scored nine more goals than league leaders Rotherham.
It’s not just the number of goals that Oxford are scoring that is pleasing, but also the different style of goals. Against Burton, Baldock netted with a composed header and a calm scoop into the bottom corner, while Whyte unleashed a fierce drive from outside the box and Taylor struck a volley from 12 yards.
No Clean Sheet
Despite the goals, the issue remains about a lack of a clean sheet. Oxford conceded against the run of play, shortly after they added a brace themselves just before the break.
The one goal conceded means they have now shipped as many goals as three other sides in the top 11 in the division. It also indicates just two clean sheets in 14 games.
