Oxford United picked up what could be a vital point after a 1-1 draw on the road at fellow strugglers, Norwich.
The U’s needed a late leveller to take a share of the spoils while the Canaries ended a seven game losing run at Carrow Road.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Norwich
Oxford United Draw at Norwich
Negative Setup
Oxford’s starting lineup looked negative from the off with right-back Hidde ter Avest making his first appearance since August as a right winger, while Mark Harris, who hasn’t scored since a 1-1 draw at Norwich last season, began up top.
The bench boasted a wealth of attacking, albeit inconsistent, talent but a defensive starting lineup against a team that had lost all seven of their home league games wasn’t a good look.
Poor Second Half
Despite the setup, Oxford had a decent first half and created a few good chances. However, Jamie Cumming was still tested at the other end as both teams looked for the opener. And it was the hosts that found it when the U’s failed to clear a simple ball.
But after the restart, Norwich were by far the better side and should have added to their first half goal. Oxford created little until the final minutes of the game.
Late Drama
Gary Rowett eventually made those attacking changes but four substitutes at once halted any flow that the U’s may have had. Despite that, one of them changes was on hand to score a stoppage-time equaliser.
Stan Mills and Sam Long linked up well down the right and the latter squared the ball into the box for Filip Krastev to slot home a vital goal against Oxford’s relegation rivals.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / News Images
