This week featured highs and lows for Oxford United. The U’s drew Arsenal in the FA Cup but were held to a draw in League One.
Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: FA Cup Draw and League Stalemate
“I probably need to start playing a bit better to be honest, and then think about those things later in the season.”
Out of contract in the summer, Matty Taylor addresses his situation at #oufc https://t.co/VBL456DzEE pic.twitter.com/OiPWCZdhdk
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) December 2, 2022
Oxford United to Welcome Premier League Leaders in FA Cup Third Round
On Monday, Oxford was drawn at home to face Premier League leaders Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup.
The 14-time champions, who sit five points above Manchester City in the top tier of English football, will visit Grenoble Road on the weekend of Monday, January 9.
The two sides have met on nine occasions, with the first and most recent encounter coming in this competition. The Gunners won both of those fixtures, with Oxford’s solitary win coming at home in 1986 – a result that kept their top-flight status intact.
U18s Reach Youth Alliance Cup Semi-Final
Oxford United’s U18 squad reached the Youth Alliance Cup semi-final with a penalty shootout victory over AFC Wimbledon.
The game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes but goalkeeper Fraser Barnsley was the hero, saving three spot kicks.
‘I Probably Need to Start Playing A Bit Better, to Be Honest’ – Matty Taylor on Contract Renewal
Out of contract in the summer, striker Matty Taylor has admitted his performances need to improve in order to earn a new deal.
The 32-year-old is one of eight players whose deal expires in the summer and has managed just five goals this season.
Speaking to BBC Radio Oxford’s Five Minute Fans Forum, he said: “I’m just concentrating on this season really.
“I probably need to start playing a bit better, to be honest, and then think about those things later in the season.
“I just want to concentrate on my football and that’ll take care of itself, I’m sure.”
Taylor has scored 63 goals for the U’s and is seventh in the club’s all-time top scorers list.
Stalemate At Stanley
Oxford’s unbeaten run continued but the U’s will feel frustrated at a point at Accrington Stanley.
James Henry opened the scoring for the visitors in the second half but a late 40-yard strike for the hosts levelled the game.
Karl Robinson’s side is 13th in the table, six points off the playoffs.
Stadium Update
Off the field, it appears the club may have found an alternate site for their proposed new stadium move.
Plans for an 18,000-capacity sports complex on Oxfordshire County Council land at Stratfield Brake are facing “considerable challenges”, with discussions now being driven ahead of a decision on 24 January.
Liz Leffman, leader of the county council, said: “Any development must have a positive impact on the lives of people in Oxfordshire both in this specific locality and beyond.
“As the county’s only professional football league club, we know that Oxford United is close to the hearts of thousands of people across this county.
“The club has a long and distinguished history and is an integral part of the county’s heritage and presence.
“We fully recognise the challenges facing OUFC and we are doing everything we can to help them achieve a long-term home in the county and a sustainable future.”
