Oxford United suffered another away day defeat with a 2-1 loss on the road at relegation rivals Hull.
The U’s took the lead in the second half through Michal Helik, but the hosts netted two quick-fire goals to turn the game on its head.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Lose at Hull
Midfield Struggles
In recent weeks, Gary Rowett’s side have struggled in the midfield, so when Cameron Brannagan was missing through injury and Tyler Goodrham was absent with illness, it wasn’t a promising start.
Alex Matos dropped in alongside Will Vaulks with Ruben Rodrigues as the ten, but all three were unable to get a sniff of the ball in the first half. Vaulks and Matos offered little playing out or going forward, while Rodrigues was chasing shadows. Oxford virtually bypassed the trio to try and get up the pitch.
However, Matos eventually decided to get hold of the game shortly before the break by getting hold of the ball, turning and driving forward. His defensive duties were also on point, winning the majority of 50/50 challenges and breaking up play consistently.
Conceded Shortly After Scoring
It’s becoming a common theme that Oxford concedes soon after scoring, with Coventry scoring twice and Bristol City equalising shortly after an Oxford goal, and this was a quick double at Hull.
Neither side were really on top for large spells of the game but Oxford’s goal came at a good time, and it was a good goal too, with Helik volleying home a Matt Phillips corner.
However, just seven minutes later, Hull cut through the U’s defence before slotting home the leveller. Then, just three minutes later, Gustavo Puerta easily moved into the box on the byline before beating Jamie Cumming at the near post, via the goalkeeper.
Not only was the timing frustrating, but also the defending. Oxford, on the whole, had looked relatively sound defensively but were cut open far too easily for both goals.
Lack of Attacking Outlet
We’ve touched on the midfield in the first half, but there were little to no options in the final third for the U’s.
Oxford started the game far too deep and were unable to get out of their own half in the opening ten minutes, and when they did, they had no options.
When Matos started to drive, the game became more open but Rodrigues failed to get past his man too often, Mark Harris pressed with little intent and the wide men created little.
The arrival of Przemyslaw Placheta, Siriki Dembele and Ole Romeny provided a different option with the wingers being direct, while Romeny made some good movement off the ball. Unfortunately, it was one of those nights where it looked like the U’s just wouldn’t score from open play.
