Oxford United’s winless run has stretched to five league games after the U’s lost 2-1 at Fleetwood Town.
Karl Robinson’s side have picked up just one point in this run, a draw with Coventry City, with four losses, which has seen a promising start lose its momentum.
Winless Run for Oxford United Continues
Winless in the League, Winning in the Cups
Oxford made a bright start to the season. The U’s picked up a point at Sunderland on the opening day, which was followed up by a home win over Peterborough United.
The Posh also visited the Kassam Stadium in the first round of the Carabao Cup which Oxford won thanks to a late Cameron Brannagan strike.
But defeat at Blackpool the following Saturday began a poor run of form for Robinson’s side. The U’s then hosted Burton Albion the following Tuesday and, despite leading 2-1, the Brewers ended up winning 4-2.
A 3-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers followed, despite taking the lead. The U’s then hosted Millwall in the second round of the Carabao Cup and although Robinson’s side found themselves two goals down with five minutes remaining, the hosts scored twice and eventually set up a third-round clash with West Ham United after winning on penalties.
The U’s found themselves in a similar position the following Saturday back in the league. Coventry City found themselves two goals up before the hosts managed to get themselves back on level terms. Although Coventry regained the lead in stoppage time, Oxford secured a draw thanks to a second own goal from Fankaty Dabo just seconds before the end.
Robinson’s side has shown fighting spirit, but the defeat at Fleetwood Town seemed inevitable. In eleven meetings between the two sides, Oxford have never picked up three points, with the Cod Army winning an impressive nine.
Where will the next win come from?
Oxford have managed just one win in the league all season. The U’s have also fallen behind in six of their last seven games in all competitions, and despite late comebacks in certain matches, their defensive vulnerability is a cause for concern.
On paper, the U’s should pick up six points from their next two games. Newly promoted Tranmere Rovers are visitors this weekend, who are level on points with Oxford having won just once this season before Robinson takes his side to Bolton Wanderers, who have picked up just one point this term but find themselves on -11 points following their twelve point deduction at the start of the season.
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