Sometimes, it can be hard being a football fan. Everyone has an opinion and, a lot of the time, people see things very differently.
This week, the U’s have picked up two points against sides third and first respectively in the league.
The game against Ipswich on Tuesday night may have felt like two points dropped against a visiting side without several key players. That said, it was important for the U’s to keep their first clean sheet since February.
Then, on Saturday, league leaders Hull were the visitors to Grenoble Road. But backed by 1,000 home supporters for the first time this season, the U’s picked up another point and put in a strong display.
With their next four games coming up against sides in and around the bottom half, could the two points against Ipswich and Hull become vital during the run into the new year?
For me, the game against Ipswich was two points dropped. Although their league position is one of stability, Ipswich weren’t at their best and looked like they were happy to leave with a point. It wasn’t a typical U’s performance where chances created are reaching double figures, but there was enough chances to take the lead.
And that’s been one of the problems in recent weeks. Oxford are creating many goal scoring opportunities but are struggling to put the ball in the back of the net. Since the win at Wigan, the U’s have scored five times from five games but from those five games, they have had 26 shots on target.
Defensively has also been an issue for Oxford this season. Having failed to keep a clean sheet in the league since February, Karl Robinson would have been delighted with the clean sheet against the Tractor Boys. It would have been a boost for Jack Stevens in goal, too, who replaced the struggling Simon Eastwood between the sticks.
Again, looking back at the last five league games, the U’s have conceded five but the difference is they have faced just 13 shots on target. The backline does seem to have found some stability since the return of Rob Atkinson and change of goalkeeper and there have been clear signs of improvement ahead of their upcoming fixtures.
Looking at the Hull game, I think most fans would have taken a point before the match. Hull are flying at the top of League One and headed into the game with seven wins from eight games in all competitions.
Not only that, but Grant McCann’s side were the joint top scorers in the league and had conceded the second-lowest number of goals in the division. For Oxford to concede just one against a ferocious attack was an achievement, while also managing to score past one of the leagues strongest defences will be a confidence boost for a misfiring U’s side.
But, the game didn’t go without any issues. It had a similar feel to the Swindon game in many ways. The U’s looked in control in the first half and could have added to their goal tally. But, like against the Robins, they started to sit deeper with around 30 minutes remaining, allowing the Tigers to press further up the field.
Whether it is a case of tired legs or lack of confidence, it’s an area that Robinson needs to address. They may have got away with it against Hull but other teams across the league season would punish them.
The U’s travel to mid-table Blackpool before welcoming Northampton to Grenoble Road. Robinson’s side follow those fixtures with a trip to Bristol Rovers and a home game against AFC Wimbledon, with the latter three sides all in the bottom half.
These fixtures could be the sort of games the U’s need to kickstart their season. From 12 points, even if we can pick up eight or nine points from those fixtures it could prove pivotal ahead of a game at Plymouth before New Year.
