Oxford United earned a well-deserved point on the road at league leaders, Coventry.
The hosts were the better team throughout the game but it was a resilient display from Matt Bloomfield’s side at the CBS Arena.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Coventry
Oxford United Draw at Coventry
Decent Debuts
Bloomfield handed debuts to deadline day additions Ruben Roosken and Aidomo Emakhu.
The duo were partnered down the left with Jack Currie still sidelined through injury and both put in a brilliant display in attack and defence.
Roosken got forward throughout but wasn’t beaten at the back while Emakhu helped out his defender and was quick and direct in attack.
While it wasn’t a debut for Christ Makosso, it was another brilliant display from the on-loan Luton man. He was solid at the back and showed composure on the ball when bringing it out of defence.
Fighting Spirit
For the first time this season, Oxford were reduced to ten men when Will Lankshear was given a second yellow card.
The Spurs loanee came on as a substitute ten minutes into the second half but was given a second yellow for an off-the-ball challenge just 20 minutes later.
While it was the right call, his first booking was controversial as he argued with the official over a decision.
And that wasn’t the only booking with the U’s racking up a total of seven yellow cards. While it showed a lack of discipline, it also showed a bit of fight and desire that Oxford have lacked at times this season.
Heroic Defending and Commendable Clean Sheet
After Lankshear’s dismissal, Oxford had their backs to the wall but they blocked everything, won tackles and remained organised.
Coventry are the highest-scoring side in the division, by some way, but a resolute backline and defensive midfield helped the U’s secure another impressive clean sheet.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
