Oxford United picked up their first away win of the season and made it three successive victories for the first time since April with a 1-0 win at Millwall.
It was a disciplined display from Gary Rowett’s side on their travels who start the new year in winning ways.
Here are three talking points from the game.
Oxford United Win at Millwall
Rowett Revival
It’s been some start to life at Oxford for Gary Rowett – three successive wins and a first away victory of the campaign to boot.
And the performance at his former club showed exactly what he’s all about as a head coach. Despite fielding the same starting line-up as the wins over Cardiff and Plymouth, the organisation was even more on point.
A second clean sheet in as many games was pivotal in that, with the hosts unable to break Oxford down or create any real clear cut opportunities.
He’s reassured the defence and built from the back, turning the side into a direct counter-attacking outfit.
Solid Subs
The changes made all played a part at different stages, showing how the depth in the squad once against doesn’t look too bad for the most part.
Peter Kioso came on at the break for captain Elliott Moore, who went off with a suspected groin strain, and put in a solid display at right-back. As a result, Sam Long moved into the middle and looked unphased.
Hidde ter Avest and Matt Phillips replaced Przemyslaw Placheta and Ruben Rodrigues ten minutes after the duo combined to score the only goal of the game. The Dutchman added some defensive cover for Kioso while Phillips looked to cause a nuisance to the Millwall backline.
The final ten minutes saw Idris El Mizouni replace Tyler Goodrham and Louie Sibley come on for Mark Harris. While there wasn’t much time for them to make an impact, they stuck to their tasks and helped keep the Lions out.
Improved Work Rate
The work rate from every player hasn’t gone unnoticed in the last three games, and it was on show again against the Lions.
Jamie Cumming made some good saves but was protected once again by an organised backline, despite changes to players and positions.
Will Vaulks once again looked so much more comfortable with Cameron Brannagan alongside and the duo are able to play to their strengths when together. Rodrigues and Mark Harris continued their press at the right time, with Goodrham and Placheta constantly playing wide and on the last man, looking to open gaps and exploit the space.
Even defensively, they didn’t drop deep when under pressure. Instead, they defended as a unit, covered space and looked to hit on the counter.