Oxford United returned from the international break with a credible draw at home against high-flying Middlesbrough.
The U’s took the lead through Luke Harris but were pegged back after the restart at Grenoble Road.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Welcome Middlesbrough
Oxford United Draw Against Middlesbrough
Tyler Goodrham and Luke Harris in From the Start
There weren’t that many surprises to the starting lineup selected by Gary Rowett but the inclusion of Luke Harris and, more notably, Tyler Goodrham did come as a shock.
Harris was making his first Oxford start in the league while Goodrham made his first appearance since August.
Both put in decent displays, with Harris also notching his first U’s goal after some good work from Cameron Brannagan and Jack Currie down the left.
Goodrham also impressed on the left with his tenacious workrate, but a lack of minutes meant his fitness was slightly off.
Grit and Determination in Display
Oxford put in a good display all round against Boro and they struck the balance of when to sit deep and defend with not going too expansive at the risk of getting caught out.
Despite dominating possession, the visitors were limited to chances from range and even their goal was somewhat fortuitous, with the striker running onto the cross-cum-shot.
In defence, they put their bodies on the line and in attack, countered with precision on occasion.
Sensible Substitutions
Rowett has been criticised for his in-game changes in recent weeks but the switches, on the whole, paid off here.
Unfortunately, Brannagan was forced off in the first half but Will Vaulks replaced him and put in a good shift.
Given the lack of minutes, Luke Harris and Goodrham were always going to be switched at some point and the introduction of Mark Harris, Stan Mills and Filip Krastev changed the attacking dynamic.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
