Oxford United‘s defensive concerns were rife again at the weekend as they felt to defeat against Bristol Rovers. Karl Robinson’s side have conceded seven goals in two games, and nine in a week. It’s a disappointment for Oxford fans, particularly after the impressive start to the season which included a draw at Sunderland and wins over Peterborough United in both the league and Carabao Cup.
Oxford United’s Defensive Concerns
Defensive Frailties Have Cost The U’s
After three games, Oxford fans looked to be excited with the positive start to the season. Signings were eventually arriving, the squad started to look ready to compete and the defence conceded just one goal – a penalty at Sunderland.
However, after defeat at Blackpool, Oxford looked vulnerable at the back. Despite dominating the game, something both managers agreed on, the U’s simply weren’t clinical enough at either end of the pitch.
Then, on Tuesday night, Oxford shipped four goals at home to Burton Albion, despite being 2-1 up, and at Rovers, the U’s took the lead but defensive frailties proved costly.
Personnel at the Heart of Defence
Following the departure of Curtis Nelson to Cardiff City, the defence looked like it would be an area of vulnerability this season. Rob Dickie formed a solid partnership with Nelson last term, and he has relatively successfully stepped into the former skippers’ boots.
But who would be the second choice? Captain John Mousinho has gone from being told he would be offered a coaching role, with the view of playing fewer games, to partnering Dickie at the back.
Robinson has signed young defender Elliott Moore from Leicester City, but the 22-year-old has only started in Saturday’s defeat and their Carabao Cup win.
Going forward, Moore looks likely to be the regular partner for Dickie, with Mousinho filling in when necessary, but it’s still an area of the squad lacking depth.
Attacking Full-Backs
Oxford have two promising attacking full-backs, but there are even issues there. As formidable as Josh Ruffles is at left-back, he is naturally a midfielder. Yes, he has converted to the role successfully, but defensively it is still an issue at times.
At right-back, it’s a similar story with Chris Cadden. Signed from Motherwell, via Columbus Crew, this summer, the 22-year-old has featured in defence both in Scotland and for the U’s this season. But, like Ruffles, Cadden is naturally a midfielder that can play on the right, but he has taken the role well. Offensively, Cadden poses a high threat, but he has looked vulnerable in defence.
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