Back in July, Oxford United reached the League One playoff final. Although it ended in defeat against Wycombe Wanderers, it was a tremendous season for Karl Robinson’s side.
However, the U’s have made a dreadful start to the new season, losing seven games from their opening ten games. Their latest loss came in a 2-0 defeat at home to Crewe Alexandra on Tuesday night.
Oxford United New Season Woes Continue
Oxford United Struggling to Avoid Defeats
Last season, Oxford United lost just nine times from 35 games in League One. The new season is just ten games old for the U’s but they have already lost seven times.
It isn’t just the manner of the defeats. Defensively, there are several issues, particularly since the departure of Rob Dickie to Queens Park Rangers in the summer. However, problems were there last season, too. Oxford have recorded just one clean sheet in 20 games in all competitions, meaning they need to score more than one if they are to have any chance of winning.
And that has been the case. Of the three league games the U’s have won this season, they have found the net ten times, but have conceded four across those fixtures. Scoring ten sounds great, but they have only found the net 11 times all season in League One.
Of the seven defeats, Robinson’s side managed a solitary goal in a 3-1 defeat at Gillingham, with the other six games all ending 2-0.
Change of Tactics Needed
Karl Robinson like his tactics and seems reluctant to change. Of course, they have worked in the past and, on the whole, he has the personnel this season for it to continue to work. However, that hasn’t been the case.
Injuries, as is the case with most teams across a league season, have hit his squad hard. The absence of Rob Atkinson, who was Dickie’s replacement, and the experience of John Mousinho has hit the defensive area more than expected. Summer signing Sean Clare, a midfielder who was brought in as a right-back, has largely struggled with his defensive duties, and the midfield are unable to create any meaningful opportunities for the sole striker, Matty Taylor.
The opposition seem to have figured the U’s out. It’s obvious how Robinson will shape his team, the personnel he will use and the way they will play. Unfortunately for him this season, it isn’t working.
Then there is the problem of goals. Taylor has become an isolated figure up top. The supply isn’t there for the striker and the midfield are unable to get on the ball as often as they did last season.
Goals will come, clean sheets will come, but for now, Robinson needs to make a change. The U’s have a crucial fixture against bottom side Wigan Athletic on Saturday which could already be a massive six-pointer for both clubs.
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