Oxford United saw their four-game unbeaten run come to an end with a 2-0 defeat at promotion hopefuls, Southampton.
The U’s conceded twice early in the first half and faced an uphill battle from that point on.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Read More: Team News, Form and Predicted Line-Up as Oxford United Travel to Southampton
Oxford United Lose at Southampton
Formation Change
Despite four good performances with a back four, Matt Bloomfield switched to a back five for the game at St Mary’s.
The last time they had success with this formation was at Leicester back in January, so given the recent results, it was a surprise to make the switch.
Jack Currie and Brodie Spencer were often caught out in the wide areas while the trio were often too tight in the middle, allowing Southampton plenty of space to attack. Maybe sticking with a back four was the right call, with Stan Mills covering as the right-sided wing back in defence, but it’s an easy call in hindsight.
Early Setbacks
The formation change looked like the wrong decision after just six minutes when the Saints took the lead.
The defender played a defence-splitting pass before the winger delivered a low cross to the front post for an easy tap-in.
The second goal was a wonderful strike but Oxford could have prevented it. A short corner missed the initial target and Shea Charles struck first time from the best part of 35 yards but the U’s were far too slow and far too casual to press the ball.
Lankshear Chance
Oxford were outclassed in the first half but certainly upped their game after the restart.
It took a while but the U’s were presented with a great opportunity to reduce the deficit when Will Lankshear won the ball and burst through but he slotted the shot wide when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
It was a good time to score with Oxford the better side but the miss almost deflated them as a unit and Saints regained control to see the game out.
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