Oxford United head into the international break on the back of a 2-1 defeat on the road at Watford.
The U’s took the lead inside three minutes but two goals in the final three minutes of the first half from the Hornets turned the tide.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Watford
Oxford United Lose at Watford
Not Good Enough
Despite finding the back of the net inside the opening three minutes, Oxford were on the back foot for the rest of the first half.
Gary Rowett’s side not only went into the break behind, but they ended the first 45 minutes having had just 30 per cent possession.
Watford had several opportunities in front of goal but Jamie Cumming made some crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable. Despite that, Oxford simply weren’t good enough on the day, and this was echoed by Brian De Keersmaecker in his post-match interview.
Set Pieces
We mentioned after the draw at QPR that Oxford’s set pieces weren’t as good as those from recent weeks but it was a tale of two set plays at Vicarage Road.
De Keersmaecker saw his fizzed corner kick bounce in off the defender in the opening few minutes of the game but Watford’s second was similar. The right-back swung the ball in and Cumming fumbled the ball onto the post before it trickled over the line.
So while there were improvements from an attacking standpoint, the U’s looked vulnerable defensively from the same position.
Placheta Chances
Rowett made two changes early in the second half with Przemyslaw Placheta and Will Vaulks replacing Stan Mills and Will Lankshear.
The changes helped Oxford gain some possession in the middle of the park, but it also brought out the frustration from the wingers, with Placheta in particular.
The Pole had four attempts on goal in 33 minutes, with two off target and two on target. But for one of them, he was one-on-one with the goalkeeper but poked the ball well wide.
He gets himself in good positions but often makes the wrong decision, which was the case at Watford.
