OXFORD United’s dismal Carabao Cup exit away at Bristol City has opened up a series of talking points.
The 5-1 mauling followed the opening day loss at Cambridge United on Saturday, with worrying signs at both ends of the pitch.
We had a look at four of the key matters that came out of the defeat at Ashton Gate.
Defensive woes
When Liam Manning arrived as U’s head coach in March, making the team hard to beat was essential in keeping the club afloat in Sky Bet League One.
Four clean sheets from 10 games were the bedrock in third tier survival.
The side only conceded more than once in the 2-0 defeat at play-off finalists Barnsley and against Accrington Stanley on the final day of the season, when safety was in the bag, barring a ridiculous goal swing.
From this campaign’s opening two games, two goals have been conceded at Cambridge, while the five let in against the Robins will be a concern.
Our player ratings as Oxford United dumped out of the Carabao Cup
Back-up for Brown
A huge part of the defensive solidity of last season was the regular form of Ciaron Brown.
The Northern Ireland international enjoyed a solid campaign at left back and was the deserved major winner at the club’s end of season awards.
It’s been a different tale so far this season though, with shaky displays at both Cambridge and Bristol City.
As the only senior recognised member of the squad naturally able to play at left back, cover for him is needed, if only for possible injuries or suspensions.
Another left back is required too, in order to keep competition in that area of the pitch healthy.
“There was some outbreaks of real quality and what you can’t do is give away terrible goals at crucial times.”#oufc boss Liam Manning reacts to the thumping loss at Bristol Cityhttps://t.co/lvK4srqQNm pic.twitter.com/tLgI8owhh5
— Oxford Mail OUFC (@OxfordMailOUFC) August 10, 2023
Extra man in midfield
Manning’s favoured 4-2-3-1 system means United typically have two midfielders on the pitch.
Cameron Brannagan has started both games this season, alongside Josh McEachran in the league and Marcus McGuane in the cup.
Whether adding a third player in the middle of the park would’ve made a difference against Bristol City is unknown, however what it would do is free up Brannagan.
Systems and the lack of a designated holding midfielder in recent years have meant Brannagan’s role has been tweaked.
Arguably though, his best football is played box-to-box rather than the slightly more withdrawn role he occupies in a 4-2-3-1.
Finishing games off
Despite the scoreline against Bristol City, the U’s were actually bright and inventive during the opening stages of the game.
With better finishing from Stanley Mills, Tyler Goodrham and Billy Bodin, United could’ve been in front themselves and therefore it potentially becomes a different game.
Missed chances punish teams at any level, and the same goes for the U’s.
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