adminThree Talking Points as Oxford United Win at Bristol City
Oxford United picked up their first win of the season with an impressive 3-1 victory on the road at Bristol City.
The U’s led 2-0 at the break thanks to goals from Nik Prelec and Przemyslaw Placheta. Although the Robins pulled one back, Gary Rowett’s side restored their two-goal lead towards the end of the match.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Win at Bristol City Away Win
While it may have taken six league games to get their first victory of the season, it’s important that Oxford not only chalked that off but also recorded a first away win.
Last season, the U’s were winless on their travels until New Year’s Day when Rowett’s side won at Millwall.
Yes, Oxford need to open their account at Grenoble Road, but successive draws against Coventry and Leicester, coupled with decent displays, have shown that the team are starting to push in the right direction.
Midfield Control
Cameron Brannagan always has a good game in the middle of the park but he has formed a formidable partnership with summer signing, Brian De Keersmaecker.
The Belgian put in arguably his best display in a yellow shirt with the duo dictating the pace of the game.
The formation also allowed the front four of Prelec, Placheta, Filip Krastev and Will Lankshear to flow as Oxford looked much more of a threat going forward.
Set Piece Goals
Rowett’s side looked lively in the final third and saw six of their 18 shots go on target, but once again their biggest threat came from set pieces.
Prelec fired home a header from a De Keersmaecker free kick before Placheta smashed the ball into the top corner as Oxford recycled the corner.
And it was the same late on as Leigh’s deft touch from another De Keersmaecker free kick sealed the victory at Ashton Gate.
The U’s are looking dangerous from set plays and it’s a good option to have in upcoming fixtures.
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