For the second home game in a row, Oxford United came from behind to win 3-2 in dramatic style.
The U’s took an early lead against Portsmouth through Luke McNally but the visitors found a reply shortly after.
Danny Cowley’s side were then reduced to ten men just 15 minutes into the game but despite the man disadvantage, they took the lead shortly after the restart.
Cameron Brannagan, who netted four penalties in a recent win against Gillingham, scored what looked like a late equaliser from 25 yards before Nathan Holland curled home a last gasp winner to move the U’s up to fifth in League One.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Formation and Line-Up
Before we speak about the late drama, we’re going to talk about the way Oxford lined up. Sam Long was unavailable with a calf injury so Ciaron Brown came in for his debut in a back three alongside Elliott Moore and McNally.
Former Pompey duo Steve Seddon and Ryan Williams were the wing-backs with a midfield three of Herbie Kane, Brannagan and Mark Sykes. Billy Bodin partnered Matty Taylor up top.
While the formation may have been a surprise, you can see the reasoning behind the decision. The U’s switched to this formation against Sheffield Wednesday and it produced a late comeback and another three points.
Obviously, the U’s were forced into changes in the system when Pompey went a man down, when Pompey took the lead and when Oxford began making substitutions.
Despite that, the change in formation and flexibility shows another aspect of Robinson’s tactical capabilities.
Goals Goals Goals
Oxford United score goals. However, a slight concern is that they also concede goals. The U’s have scored 14 times from their last four matches but have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last seven games, with just one in 12.
Despite that, in front of goal, there was a variety of efforts against Pompey. What was pleasing was that Oxford opened the scoring from yet another set-piece and once again it was Bodin with an inch-perfect delivery for McNally.
Against Gillingham, Brannagan scored four times from 12 yards but his late leveller came from a lot further out with the midfielder unleashing a fierce drive from the best part of 25 yards.
Then, the late effort from Holland was worthy of winning any game. The winger cut inside from the left before bending one to perfection into the bottom corner.
Winning Mentality
It was only a few weeks ago that the U’s were left frustrated with a point against Cheltenham before back to back defeats against Lincoln and Wycombe respectively.
However, since then, Karl Robinson’s side have shown their winning desire and never say die attitude.
From their last four games, the U’s have picked up ten points with three of the opponents’ possible promotion candidates.
Twice they have come from behind to secure a win, including against Pompey, while they also showed resilience against high-flying Wigan.
Despite having a man advantage, far more possession and several more chances, it felt like it was going to be one of them afternoons for Oxford but the mentality in the camp has severely changed from recent seasons.
