Oxford United lost back-to-back games under Matt Bloomfield with a 3-1 defeat on the road at Sheffield United.
The U’s took an early lead in the match but the Blades took control with a goal before the break and two more after the restart.
Here are three talking points from the game.
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Oxford United Lose at Sheffield United
Makosso Debut
Having made two new additions on deadline day and one ahead of the defeat against Birmingham, many fans were keen to see if any of the recent arrivals would feature.
And there was a debut for defender, Christ Makosso alongside Michal Helik and Ciaron Brown in a back three.
The on-loan Luton man put in a good shift for the U’s, commanding the defence and looking composed on the ball.
Of course, he’ll be frustrated that his new side conceded three goals at Bramall Lane but it was a promising debut for the youngster.
Early Goal and Organisation
For yet another away game, Oxford took the lead and blew it. However, like at Leicester, the early goal here looked to give the U’s confidence and they were arguably the better side for much of the first half.
But once the Blades found an equaliser before the break, there was only going to be one winner.
And that’s the frustration because the U’s looked organised out of possession once they had taken the lead but once the hosts levelled and added a second, the shape was lost.
It sounds obvious but Oxford needs to see the game out when they’ve got the upper hand if they’re to stand any chance of remaining in the division for another campaign.
Conceding From Another Set Piece and Sloppy Goals
At the other end, it’s clear the U’s need to get better at defending set pieces.
Oxford cleared the initial corner but were slow to get back in position as the Blades netted with the second phase.
For the other two goals, Ciaron Brown was unfortunate to lose his footing as the Sheffield United man got in behind while for the third, substitute Siriki Dembele unnecessarily lost the ball in the middle of the park before the hosts played a switched ball and scored.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
