Oxford United recorded back-to-back wins with a 2-0 victory at home against Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth.
Goals in each half and a decent display at Grenoble Road will please the new head coach ahead of a trip to his former club, Millwall, on New Year’s Day.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Win Against Plymouth
Line-Up
After picking up a win in his first game in charge over Cardiff, Gary Rowett named an unchanged starting line-up for the visit of the Pilgrims.
Jamie Cumming started in goal behind a back four of Greg Leigh, Ciaron Brown, Elliott Moore and Sam Long.
Cameron Brannagan once again partnered Will Vaulks in the holding role, which added some more defensive stability and the opportunity to launch counter attacks, while there was a three of Tyler Goodrham, Ruben Rodrigues and Przemyslaw Placheta. Mark Harris led the line.
Clean Sheet
Oxford were on course to record a vital clean sheet against Cardiff last time out but shipped two late goals, so getting it over the line against a woeful Plymouth side on the road was vital.
It was a first shutout since a 1-0 win over Hull – ten games ago. It’s also just a second 17 when the U’s played out a goalless draw at home against Burnley.
Against a Millwall side next time out, who often pick up points with low scorelines, keeping this clean sheet will be a boost ahead of the trip to the New Den.
Determination and Passive Play
It was a much improved showing from the Oxford players, as was the case against Cardiff, too.
The defenders as a unit, despite one change in Long at right-back, showed real solidity, with both full backs getting the balance of defending and attacking spot on.
It was the same with the centre backs, who also showed a variety of passing out from the back.
The selection of Brannagan alongside Vaulks certainly helps the latter and it was arguably his best display for the U’s against the Pilgrims, while Brannagan is able to spring forward and launch counters.
Harris’ work rate was back to that of last season while the wingers also showed a variety of moves when in the final third.
Some fans were worried that the football under Rowett would be pragmatic but against these two teams it was the opposite, with the U’s showing real attacking flair while staying solid defensively as a unit.
