Matty Taylor identifies potential reason for recent turn in Oxford United’s fortunes | OneFootball

Oxford United striker Matty Taylor has suggested his side have swapped style for substance, which has played a huge part in their enabling eight-game unbeaten run.

It wasn’t the best of starts for Oxford to the League One season but the U’s have since recovered their form and are looking to push on.

Karl Robinson’s side haven’t lost a game since the 2-1 defeat at home to Peterborough United on October 22 and have drawn four matches in Sky Bet League One, winning another two.

Not only that, but the club has a huge tie against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup after beating Woking and Exeter City with Taylor believing the team has become more solid defensively in recent weeks.

Speaking to the Witney Gazette, the striker said: “The unbeaten run stands for itself, we’ve definitely turned a corner and performances are improving game by game.

“We look more of a unit and not as free-flowing as we have been, but we’re definitely going in the right direction. We’re a lot harder to beat and hopefully we can just keep improving.”

Oxford’s run has lifted them to 15th in League One, putting a nine-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone. It also means there are just seven points between them and the top six, with this unbeaten run of form coming at the perfect time.

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The Verdict

Oxford are a side who have been on the cusp of the Championship for several seasons but for one reason or another, they’ve failed to make that jump.

Whether this season could another near miss  remains to be seen, but this more pragmatic approach to games could be a significant turning point for the better. The U’s have been an attacking force under Karl Robinson but that’s not always a positive.

Being resolute defensively is just as important as scoring goals and if that balance can be struck, Oxford will climb the table. But it’s a big if and the amount of catching up they need to do might be too much this season.