OXFORD United extended their unbeaten Sky Bet Championship start under Gary Rowett to five games thanks to a 1-1 draw at Plymouth Argyle.
Will Vaulks gave United the lead with a corking first-time strike from outside the penalty area just before half-time, netting his first U’s goal in the process.
Pilgrims midfielder Rami Al Hajj headed in a leveller less than 20 minutes into the second period, with neither side then able to find a winner.
We had a look at the key talking points from Home Park.
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Rowett shows tactical flexibility
United lined up in the 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by Rowett so far, but after the midway point of the first half switched to a 3-4-3 formation.
It meant Matt Phillips dropped in at right wing back, with the rest of the back four then shuffling over, following early Argyle pressure.
Peter Kioso found himself as the right-sided centre back, a new role for him, but he performed admirably.
The U’s then nudged ahead when Jordan Thorniley, on as a substitute for the injured Sam Long moments earlier, played the ball down the left channel, where Greg Leigh had pushed on from wing back, and the move found its way to Vaulks, who thundered home.
Although the switch in formation initially seemed like a defensive move, to mirror the Pilgrims’ shape and negate the threat of wing backs Bali Mumba and Tymoteusz Puchacz, it turned out to be an offensive one with the opening goal for United.
Rowett’s ability to change shape within games, and spot strengths and weakness, is going to be crucial for the U’s in the weeks and months ahead.
Vaulks puts in masterclass
Summer signing Vaulks has undoubtedly struggled to live up to the expectations set of him when he arrived in June, but under Rowett, he is starting to flourish.
Having a midfield partner next to him in Cameron Brannagan, as opposed to operating as a single holding player, has certainly helped, and United are now seeing what Vaulks can offer.
In addition to his marvellous strike, no U’s player had more touches (73) or played more passes (40) than Vaulks at Home Park, while his total of four tackles was also more than any other United player. His long throw-in was also a dangerous weapon for the U’s.
Long latest injury problem
United are already without Elliott Moore due to an adductor problem, so the sight of Long trudging off with injury wasn’t a welcome one.
If Long is to join Moore on the sidelines, then it seems like the U’s will have a big decision to make on Stephan Negru.
Recalled from his loan at Salford City, if Negru features against Blackburn Rovers this weekend, he can only play for United or the Ammies in the remainder of this season.