Three Talking Points as Oxford United Draw Against Hull

Three Talking Points as Oxford United Draw Against Hull

Oxford United missed the chance to pick up a crucial three points but will be relatively pleased with their display and point against Hull.

The visitors took an early lead but Cameron Brannagan levelled from the spot after the U’s were awarded a second penalty in as many home games.

Here are three talking points from the game.

Oxford United Draw Against Hull

Midfield Battle

Yunus Konak and Brannagan bossed the midfield throughout the game and will be pleased with their display.

Matt Crooks and former U’s man John Lundstram couldn’t get going in the first half, so much so that Crooks was asked to push forward after the break.

And despite scoring 13 league goals, Joe Gelhardt hardly got a sniff in the number ten role and was replaced midway through the second half, before Lundstram was hooked late on. The midfield were unable to get joint-top scorer Oli McBurnie into the game, with the striker an isolated figure up top.

Oxford did bring Konak off, maybe with one eye on Monday, but the young Turk put in yet another solid display alongside the skipper.

Risky Roosken

With Jack Currie having taken a knock on his ankle before the game, Ruben Roosken was given a rare start at left-back, but it wasn’t a great display.

The defender was caught out inside three minutes when the Tigers took the lead and was often found out of position, playing several misplaced passes.

He was replaced at the break by Brodie Spencer who put in a solid display in that position for Northern Ireland against Italy during the international break.

And it was little surprise that Oxford looked better both defensively and offensively after the change.

Late Chances

Oxford will feel they should have left Grenoble Road with all three points. Stan Mills played a delicious ball in which Will Lankshear headed over, while Myles Peart-Harris also had a decent opportunity before the break.

But after the restart, the U’s continued to threaten the Hull goal. Michal Helik headed over from a set piece and Brannagan saw a long-range effort well saved but there were still some late chances to snatch all three points.

Mills put in yet another delightful ball into the box which substitute Mark Harris met but was unable to poke home, before Will Vaulks smashed one from distance which was also stopped by the goalkeeper.