Oxford United picked up their second away win of the season with a 2-1 victory at Hillsborough against bottom club, Sheffield Wednesday.
The U’s led 2-0 at the break but a poor second half saw the Owls get themselves back into the game.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Sheffield Wednesday
Oxford United Win at Sheffield Wednesday
Formation Change
Gary Rowett changed the formation and line-up for this game, and some fans felt it was too negative for a game against the division’s bottom club.
Michal Helik and Ciaron Brown were partnered with Ben Davies in a back three, with Brodie Spencer and Jack Currie as full-backs.
Cameron Brannagan and Brian De Keersmaecker started in midfield with Filip Krastev playing as a number ten, behind a front two of Will Lankshear and Nik Prelec.
Poor Second Half
Having taken a two-goal lead into the break, many Oxford fans would have expected the performance to continue, but not for the first time this season, there was a worrying drop-off.
Wednesday were all over the U’s in the second half and managed to reduce the deficit after Oxford lacked organisation and failed to clear the ball.
And Gary Rowett would be thankful for Cumming in goal, who made two late saves to stop the Owls from clinching a point.
Oxford did have late chances themselves. Przemyslaw Placheta slotted wide from a good angle and Mark Harris fluffed one wide from close range, which summed up the second half display at Hillsborough.
Injury Woes
To make matters worse, Spencer and Brannagan were both forced off with injury during this game.
Spencer was replaced by Sam Long after just 15 minutes, with Rowett confirming after the game that he had an issue with his foot.
As for Brannagan, he was influential in the middle of the park, assisting Lankshear for his goal after 11 minutes before smashing home a free kick from the best part of 30 yards to make it 2-0, so it was little surprise that his departure hampered Oxford in the second half.
In addition, he was off the pitch receiving treatment when Wednesday netted their goal. Admittedly, the U’s should have dealt with it better and lacked organisation at that time.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Focus Images
