Oxford United suffered just their second loss in nine games, but defeat at Derby felt like a huge blow to their survival hopes.
The Rams only scored once and Oxford, despite a poor first half, squandered some good opportunities during the match.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Derby
Oxford United Lose at Derby
Too Slow
For some reason, Matt Bloomfield’s side were disastrously slow in the first half, both on and off the ball.
The U’s laboured in possession, failed to press the Derby backline and generally just bumbled around the pitch.
Admittedly, there was a significant improvement after the break, but given the position the U’s find themselves in, the first-half display was unacceptable.
Lack of Physicality
Ironically, we highlighted that Oxford were firm but fair in their approach against Watford but they were out-muscled against the Rams.
The U’s looked lightweight, lost several 50/50 balls and were beaten far too easily.
Like the first point, it could be a worrying trend with Bloomfield’s side edging closer to relegation.
One-On-One Chances
Despite the negative display, Oxford were presented with two wonderful one-on-one opportunities in the game.
First, Jamie Donley fed Myles Peart-Harris and the winger burst through but was denied by a last-ditch tackle when he may have taken a touch too many.
Shortly after, Yunus Konak intercepted the ball, burst clear and with Jeon Jin-woo to his left, opted to go alone but blasted the ball over from the edge of the box.
If either of those opportunities had gone in, the game could have turned but once they were missed, the fate looked sealed.
Featured image courtesy of SmartFrame/News Images
