Oxford United recorded back to back wins and kept their 100 per cent home record intact with a 1-0 win over Stoke.
The goal came in the second half with Idris El Mizouni opening his U’s account. Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Vs Stoke City: U’s Win 1-0
Midfield Influence
The first half was fairly even but Oxford often bypassed their midfield with the defence switching the play to the wide players in Siriki Dembele and Tyler Goodrham.
It appeared that Stoke nullified Oxford’s midfield three with Josh McEachran, Cameron Brannagan and El Mizouni struggling to get hold of the ball in attacking areas.
However, Brannagan was forced off with an injury in first half stoppage time and was replaced by Ruben Rodrigues, and this changed proved critical.
Not only did the midfield trio get more influence on the game, but Rodrigues was on hand to play a low cross into the box which El Mizouni ran on to before slotting home the opener.
Second Clean Sheet for Oxford United
Five league games in, Oxford have kept their second clean sheet of the campaign.
The U’s managed to shut-out Norwich on the opening day but had failed to in their other Championship encounters.
Defensively, the back five were solid. Jamie Cumming wasn’t tested too often but organised his backline, while there was a return for Elliott Moore alongside Ciaron Brown.
Peter Kioso kept his place at right back despite promising displays from Sam Long while Greg Leigh played at left back after Joe Bennett’s injury.
The Wingers and the Welshman
It’s no secret that Des Buckingham likes to utilise his wingers, and it’s little surprise that the duo were the most threatening.
Dembele, making his full debut, was a constant threat on the right and created plenty of opportunities for his teammates.
On the right, Goodrham looked to cut inside and forced the visiting goalkeeper into a couple of saves, while his workrate off the ball remains key.
Another with an impressive workrate is the Welsh wizard, Mark Harris. His constant press caused problems for Stoke’s backline and, like Goodrham, saw a couple of decent strikes parried away.
Malcolm Ebiowei replaced Dembele late on and continued where the former Birmingham player left off, also forcing the Stoke shot-stopper into a save.
