Oxford United exited the FA Cup with a 1-0 home defeat against Premier League outfit, Sunderland.
The U’s battled hard but a first-half penalty for the visitors was enough to seal the result.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Welcome Sunderland
Oxford United Lose Against Sunderland
Returning Players
Despite it being a disaster against Norwich, Matt Bloomfield stuck with a back four but there was a change in personnel and the players looked much more comfortable.
There was a cup start for goalkeeper Matt Ingram, who was arguably Oxford’s best player, making several stops in the game, while there were starts for Jeon Jin-woo and Jamie Donley, with the latter returning from injury.
Also back from injury was Jack Currie, with the defender putting in a good display in defence.
Bright Start
Oxford will be pleased with the way they started this game and put in a decent display against the in-form Black Cats.
Admittedly, the final third is where the U’s continue to struggle but across the rest of the park, they went toe-to-toe with the Premier League outfit and ended the game defiant in defeat.
Controversial Decisions
However, you could argue that the game was decided on two controversial decisions on the day.
The referee awarded Sunderland a penalty on the 30-minute mark when Christ Makosso made a challenge in the box. From one angle it looked like he got a toe on the ball but whichever way you look at it, it was a challenge that didn’t need to be made.
At the other end, Will Lankshear broke through and got past the defender but the official blew up for a foul before the Spurs loanee slotted home what would have been a deserved equaliser.
It was an afternoon where Oxford didn’t quite get the rub of the green but will be pleased with their display.
Featured image courtesy of IMAGO / IPS
