{"id":474626,"date":"2019-07-07T17:58:55","date_gmt":"2019-07-07T21:58:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonfootball.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=474626"},"modified":"2021-03-17T19:23:06","modified_gmt":"2021-03-17T23:23:06","slug":"karl-robinson-rangers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/07\/07\/karl-robinson-rangers\/","title":{"rendered":"Karl Robinson Suffers Heavy Loss at Rangers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Oxford United<\/a>\u00a0and Karl Robinson suffered a heavy defeat in their first game of pre-season as Rangers<\/a> thumped the U’s 5-0 at Ibrox.<\/p>\n

The starting line-up was possibly one of Karl Robinson’s<\/a> strongest available, but first-half goals from Daniel Candeias and Greg Stewart put the U’s two goals down at the break.<\/p>\n

In the second half, Robinson fielded a much more inexperienced side, and Lewis Mayo, Sheyi Ojo and Jermain Defoe completed the rout in front of 22,000 supporters at Ibrox.<\/p>\n

Robinson Suffers Heavy Loss at Rangers<\/h1>\n

Strong Lineup<\/h2>\n

The U’s starting line-up was a strong one. Simon Eastwood<\/a> started in goal, whilst Josh Ruffels and Sam Long were the full backs. Rob Dickie was always likely to start in the centre, but following the departure of Curtis Nelson<\/a>, it was unclear who would partner him. On this occasion, is was the club captain, John Mousinho.<\/a><\/p>\n

The midfield was a solid one, and it appears the U’s will be competitive in this department this season. Alex Gorrin<\/a> made his debut alongside Cameron Brannagan in the centre, whilst Rob Hall<\/a> and another debutant, Tariqe Fosu<\/a>, were on the wings. James Henry started in the Number 10 role, behind Gavin Whyte as the striker with Jamie Mackie out injured.<\/p>\n

Rangers 5-0 Oxford United<\/h2>\n

So, to the match. Over 1,000 fans made the trip over the border and their side started strongly.<\/p>\n

Hall struck a shot into the side netting after Long\u2019s cross was only half-cleared, while it took a last-ditch tackle to prevent Whyte cutting the ball back for a Henry tap-in.<\/p>\n

But Steven Gerrard’s side, who are in Europa League action on Tuesday, were ahead after 16 minutes when Candeias finished a swift counter-attack from an Oxford corner.<\/p>\n

Henry had an effort saved by Jak Alnwick, but the hosts began to assert their dominance. Joe Aribo should have doubled the lead but scuffed his effort.<\/p>\n

But it wasn’t long for that second goal, which arrived just after the half-hour mark. Stewart found space in behind and with the U\u2019s backline and fired a left-footed shot into the far corner.<\/p>\n

Eastwood made two big saves to keep the score down to 2-0 at the break, but Rangers kept pressing.<\/p>\n

Eastwood stayed on for the start of the second half, and it was good that he did as he was called into action early on, but Mayo soon added a third.<\/p>\n

On-loan Liverpool<\/a> winger Ojo added a fourth, coming on as a substitute and using his fitness to ease past Long before Defoe added a fifth in the final minute.<\/p>\n

Does the Result Matter?<\/h2>\n

When it comes to pre-season, it’s not about the result, but this will be tough to take. Yes, Rangers have quality in their side, but physically and mentally, they were way ahead of Robinson’s side.<\/p>\n

That said, this was the U’s first test after the summer, and have Oxford City, Thame United and Brackley Town to come.<\/p>\n

It was also good to see the introduction of the youngsters. Kevin Berkoe and Sam Allardyce<\/a> both came on in the second half to make their debut, whilst Jack Stevens, Mark Sykes, Owen James, Aaron McCready, Malachi Napa, Kyran Lofthouse and Fabio Lopes all featured.<\/p>\n

One concern, as mentioned earlier, is the lack of depth in the squad. The U’s have a decent first team, but behind that, they are lacking. Yes, there are some promising youthful players at the club, but that won’t be enough heading into a new League One season.<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>