Oxford United suffered a first defeat under Matt Bloomfield with a 2-0 loss at home against Birmingham.
The U’s started brightly but goals in each half for the visiting team were enough to ease past a tiring Oxford side.
Here are three talking points from the game.
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Oxford United Lose Against Birmingham
Fatigue and Fitness
In the previous three displays under the new head coach, Oxford have had a spring in their step and the displays, for the most part, have improved.
However, despite a bright start, the U’s looked leggy and fatigue was creeping in, particularly from those who had featured in the other games.
The killer part was the final third, where Oxford’s legs just couldn’t match the Blues’ defence.
Lack of Home Goals
And that’s a concern, with Oxford failing to score in any of their last four games at Grenoble Road.
The U’s have had chances in those games but putting the ball in the back of the net is the issue.
Oxford have a better home record than on the road and with games coming up against teams around them, they need to use that home advantage to move them towards safety.
Injury Crisis Worsens
Oxford were dealt a couple of injury blows ahead of the game with Jack Currie and Brian De Keersmaecker both sidelined.
Currie could be back next weekend with De Keersmaecker sidelined for a little longer.
There was also an injury for new signing, Jeon Jin-woo, but he is yet to feature for the U’s since his arrival.
However, there was a return to the bench for Michal Helik while Przemyslaw Placheta also made his return to the pitch second-half half substitute.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
