Oxford United failed to capitalise on their Boxing Day win as the U’s lost at home against relegation rivals, Swansea.
The visitors scored the only goal of the game from a set piece just 15 minutes into the game and held on to secure the double over the U’s.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Welcome Swansea
Oxford United Lose Against Swansea
Same Line-Up
After a win over Southampton last time out, it was little surprise to see caretaker manager Craig Short name and unchanged side.
On paper, it made sense but the U’s just couldn’t get going. Even the substitutes failed to make an impact and it was a night to forget for the Oxford squad as a whole.
Collectively Poor
Unfortunately, the performance just three days ago clearly took it out of the majority of these players who struggled for the majority of the game.
The U’s fell behind from yet another set piece and, besides a five minute spell before half time, were on the back foot for large parts.
Besides Stan Mills, there wasn’t one player in yellow that can come away with their heads held high after that display. Too many missed passes, too many lost balls and too many mistakes cost Oxford on what was an important night.
No Final Third
Somehow, Oxford almost had 50 per cent of the ball but the majority of that must have been played between the back four.
Brian De Keersmaecker was ineffective in front of the defence while Tyler Goodrham and Luke Harris barely touched the ball, and when they did it resulted in wayward touches.
The front three of Przemyslaw Placheta, Mills and Nik Prelec were starved of possession although Mills did try his best to drive forward on the rare occasions he did get the ball.
Ultimately, the U’s just weren’t able to get behind the Swans backline and failed to test the opposition goalkeeper.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Focus Images
