Following their 3-0 win over Gillingham on Saturday, Oxford United find themselves in terrific form. Since a run of five games without a win, Karl Robinson’s side are now unbeaten in five in all competitions, including a 6-0 demolition at Lincoln City and a 4-0 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham United before their win over the Gills.
Deadly Form for Oxford United
The U’s Recent Run is Impressive
During their winless run, which included four defeats, things were looking bleak for this Oxford side which, on paper, should be pushing for the play-offs in League One.
However, a deserved 3-0 win at home to Tranmere Rovers proved to be a catalyst result. A brace from James Henry and another goal from midfield for Cameron Brannagan sealed a routine victory for the U’s.
What followed was a goalless draw at Bolton Wanderers. This was perceived both ways by U’s fans, with many feeling it was two points dropped, but some feel it was a valuable point at a new -ook Trotters side who themselves were playing their first home game since their takeover.
That result was quickly forgotten, however, as Robinson’s men secured a record away win in the Football League after scoring six without reply at Lincoln. Tariqe Fosu netted a hat-trick, while Jamie Mackie, Henry and Matty Taylor all got on the scoresheet in an incredible win.
Four days later, the U’s welcomed Premier League outfit West Ham with both sides ringing the changes. Manuel Pellegrini made seven changes, and Robinson made six with his focus on the league.
Despite being goalless at the break, the U’s secured a dominant second-half display with goals from Elliott Moore, Taylor, Fosu and academy graduate Shandon Baptiste.
Then, on Saturday, Oxford continued their run as another Henry brace and a third in three games from Taylor downed Gillingham.
Future Fixtures and Record to Break
Oxford United last kept four successive clean sheets in the league in 2002, and when they travel to Accrington Stanley this weekend, they can emulate that achievement.
It’s a phenomenal run of form for the U’s, helped by solid defending, something the club struggled with in the early stages of the season.
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