FIRSTLY, a happy new year from all of us at OxVox, writes chair Paul Peros.
For this week’s column, we thought we would hand over the reins to our friend OxfordAnalytics.
After the fabulous start by Gary Rowett, we asked him to talk through some of the changes he noticed in the set-up of Oxford United in the last few weeks. He writes as follows:
Since Gary Rowett was appointed, Oxford have secured 10 points out of 12, a feat in 10 days that previously took until the end of September to achieve under Des Buckingham.
I normally delve into data and numbers, but Rowett has made some interesting tactical adjustments that, in the short-term, have seen an uplift in players who were previously displaying shaky form.
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Under Buckingham, Oxford played a single six in a 4-1-4-1 formation that saw much of the ball progression and midfield defensive responsibility fall on a single player, either Will Vaulks or Cameron Brannagan. Vaulks especially, having played alongside Barry Bannan at Sheffield Wednesday, looked to suffer in this system.
Part of this was highlighted by Buckingham’s Coaches Voice video post play-off final. The opposition can quickly shut down a single player (Josh Sheehan in Bolton’s case) and therefore stifle possession, ball progression and chances in the final third. Vaulks was receiving the same treatment, seeing a dip in his form and leaving us with little alternative.
To negate this, Rowett has moved to a ‘double pivot’ in midfield, playing a 4-2-3-1 which has allowed Brannagan and Vaulks to play to one another's strengths. With the ball, Brannagan and Vaulks act as the link between the defence and attack. Without it, they’re additional defensive protection.
The second adjustment has seen Tyler Goodrham start on the wide left, however, in possession he has been moving into central locations to create a second No 10 alongside Ruben Rodrigues, creating a ‘box midfield’.
In the short-term, this has created multiple benefits. It allows Oxford to have Goodrham creating a threat through the central areas (he is one of the best in the league for carries resulting in a shot).
It gives both Brannagan and Vaulks options on the ball when in possession either to play into the No 10s, play out wide to Przemyslaw Placheta one v one against his full back, or to play into channels making the most of Mark Harris and Placheta’s pace.
Finally, it allows us to press aggressively, when chosen (Rodrigues goal v Preston), knowing we have the double pivot to screen the defence on any turnovers.
The additional support has seen Harris have his annual New Year revival and an uptick in quality of chances created, generating a greater xG than our opponents v Cardiff and Plymouth for the first time since Luton away in October (you thought I was going to make it through without mentioning xG?!).
January offers an intriguing time to see where we look to strengthen with the above in mind. Whatever direction we choose to go, Rowett has shown he can quickly get results and bring the best out of those he already has in the squad.