• Wed. Feb 19th, 2025

What has Gary Rowett done to bring U’s to summit of form table?

Byoxfordnewspaper

Jan 20, 2025

MOST Oxford United fans would’ve done a double take if they saw where the U’s were in the form table after Gary Rowett’s first six league games in charge.

When the full-time whistle blew at the Kassam Stadium following United’s 1-0 victory against Blackburn Rovers, Rowett’s side sat top of the Sky Bet Championship form table.

Leeds United beat Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon to leapfrog the U’s in the last six games table, with both teams boasting four wins and two draws in their last half a dozen matches.

It has highlighted the massive turnaround for United since Rowett’s arrival, with just one win in 16 Championship games prior to him taking to the dugout.

But what are the key things the 50-year-old has done to revive the U’s?

READ ALSO: Our player ratings after U’s beat play-off hopefuls Rovers

Change of formation and tactical flexibility

The most obvious difference is in formation. Rowett’s predecessor Des Buckingham preferred a 4-3-3 set-up with one holding player and two creative-minded midfielders.

Rowett immediately introduced a 4-2-3-1 system, but has also demonstrated superb tactical awareness, particularly away from home.

In the 1-0 win at Millwall on New Year’s Day, after taking the lead, United reverted to a five-man backline and battled their way through the final 20 minutes for a first away win of the season.

The system with three centre halves and wing backs was evident in the draws at Preston North End and Plymouth Argyle, with Matt Phillips in particular being asked to put big shifts in at right wing back.

And after a run of three league games on the road, when the U’s returned to home soil against play-off hopefuls Blackburn, they were back on the front foot. United took the game to Rovers, pressing energetically and enthusiastically.

Playing to players’ strengths

One obvious player who has excelled under Rowett is Przemyslaw Placheta. The winger had endured a frustrating start to life with the U’s, but now looks revitalised.

But quite simply, United are playing to his obvious strength – his incredible burst of pace.

Whether it’s knocking balls down the channel or playing through balls in front of him, getting Placheta one-on-one against his marker has been fruitful for the U’s.

It’s also interesting to point out that Placheta has lined up on the right wing, cutting inside onto his left foot, as opposed to featuring on the other flank.

Balance in the engine room

Cameron Brannagan and Will Vaulks have played every minute so far under Rowett, such has been their importance to the cause.

Vaulks at times looked lost as the single six in Buckingham’s 4-3-3, but is now much more assured in his play.

His sumptuous strike at Plymouth exemplifies the ability he has, and with Brannagan partnered next to him, both players are seemingly well and truly enjoying their football.

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About the author

Liam is the sports reporter for the Oxford Mail, primarily focusing on Oxford United.

He joined in November 2019 as a news reporter, and has previously covered patches including West Oxfordshire, education and local politics.

Liam received a Masters in Journalism from UCLan and can be found on X through the handle @OxMailLiamRice