Oxford United picked up their first point of the season with an entertaining 2-2 draw at home against high-flyers Coventry.
The U’s came from behind twice against Frank Lampard’s side but the display was much better than recent weeks.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Prediction as Oxford United Welcome Coventry
Oxford United Draw Against Coventry
Change in Formation
Gary Rowett opted to revert to a back four with a three-man midfield against the Sky Blues and it produced a much better display.
Elliott Moore had picked up a knock, so Sam Long and Michal Helik were the central duo, with Greg Leigh and Hidde ter Avest replacing the injured duo Jack Currie and Brodie Spencer.
But the formation change worked. The U’s had been outrun in the middle of the park in their recent games but Brannagan and Brian De Keersmaecker got plenty of the ball and fed the front four throughout.
As a unit, the team were better in defence, better in midfield and better in the final third.
Set Piece Goals
Despite not scoring in their heavy Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton, Oxford created several goal-scoring opportunities. While chances were fewer in this game, they were more clinical from set pieces.
Brannagan struck a free-kick which was only parried out before Lankshear slotted home his second U’s goal. Then in the second half, Brannagan stood over the ball again but bent the ball around the goalkeeper to perfection.
Subs Made Impact
Rowett’s only defensive option on the bench was Jack Currie so the attacking changes certainly helped as the U’s secured a point.
Stan Mills, who many expected to start, came on along with Siriki Dembele and Nik Prelec and the trio offered a variety of attacking ability.
Luke Harris also came on late for Lankshear, meaning Prelec led the line, but with returning players from injuries, it boosted Rowett’s options from the bench.
