Home Match Day Thread 28/02/2026 - MDT: Oxford United v West Bromwich Albion

[SteMerritt]

 

[ThatSlopesATwelfthMan]

The problem is that I don't think this style of play is sustainable in terms of getting the points we need - even until the end of the season. It just puts too much pressure on our defence for too long. Sometimes it will work and we will get a point or three, but more often we will lose.

But - that may well be the best we can hope for. Being more attacking might well be worse and make us even more vulnerable. We have all seen how we cannot cope against any kind of pace when we are up the pitch.

If we were actually down, I would say 'FK IT' - just try to play on the front foot, set up something for next season. It wouldn't really matter. And actually probably the same if we had enough points to stay up! But as it is, we are *likely* to go down. I don't like the style of football and don't *think* it will help us escape. But given that two separate professional managers now seem to have come to the conclusion that this is the best chance we've got - surely we have to stick with it for now?

Yeah, agree. On the plus side we are now better placed to execute the low block counterattacking style more effectively. McDonnel, Konak, MPH and Mikoso all add mobility and dynamism with Donley a potential major upgrade on set pieces and as a competent #10. There were moments yesterday where we came close to coherence on the counter for the first time in months (rather than just relying on speculative Hollywood balls wide) but didn't quite click positionally. If we are to make the great escape I think it'll be off the back of this conservative style with minimal tinkering so the players can get into a rhythm. Still a long shot but there are some key games still to come and, as we saw yesterday, other teams in a right old mess.

 

[Village-Yellow]

I’m sure they were told about the rules for match day and other training days

No issue with player discipline. Attitude and discipline is vital to forming a cohesive squad of players all working together for the cause.

Personally though, I would run a 1 strike warning system… so he’s late, he gets a rollocking and a reminder of his responsibilities but the starting team remains as planned for during the week of training. But, next time you’re dropped regardless.

What happens if half the starting 11 get caught out with an unforeseen traffic situation and arrive late?

But if you set out your stall , you have to follow it through.

I don’t know, maybe he had a previous warning and this was the final strike .

 

[Osleroad]

Just as an aside - Matt Phillips and Luke Harris both scored yesterday. Sibley and Dale not in their squads (injured?).

 

[windmill]

The biggest positive for me (other than the win) yesterday was the state of West Brom.

Last season we struggled at times, but there was always hope because Cardiff, Plymouth and Luton were all dreadful (so were a couple of others like Derby and Hull); it was not unreasonable to think that we were better than them.

But this season, other than Wednesday, there haven't been too many opponents that I've watched and thought 'Yeah - we're better than this lot, and we'll finish ahead of them over the course of a season'. Even Leicester.....though they were a bit of a shower.....clearly have bags of talent. The equalizer they scored at the Kasstad was absolute quality.

But step up WBA - they were awful. We granted them bags of possession, but they seemed to have no clue what to do with it. Careless passing, woeful final ball and poor set piece defending. Plus, their next five games? Not friendly......three home games against playoff-chasing sides and tricky tips to Bristol City and Sheffield United (who would be a playoff-chasing side if they'd just kept Wilder). There is a massive chance now to be ahead of them by the end of the month.

BIG two weeks......I kind of view Preston as a 'nice-to-have' result, but the week after will be season-defining. Two home games in four days against Blackburn and Charlton (two of the other sides that might be on the 'worse than us' list). 6+ points from those three games - which is not an outrageous ask - and I think we'll stay up.

Two home games in four days. The pitch was in a poor state yesterday. Had we had rain near kick off it would have cut up badly. Whatever has been spent on the playing surface has not been the complete answer...........This time last year it was in much better nick.

 

[Greenstar]

Konak and Donley added an extra strength. Good link ups between Lankshear, Donley & Mills. Need much better distribution forwards though from the midfield & wing backs

 

[Greenstar]

Two home games in four days. The pitch was in a poor state yesterday. Had we had rain near kick off it would have cut up badly. Whatever has been spent on the playing surface has not been the complete answer...........This time last year it was in much better nick.

Looks more like league one pitch now

 

[RgYellows]

Two home games in four days. The pitch was in a poor state yesterday. Had we had rain near kick off it would have cut up badly. Whatever has been spent on the playing surface has not been the complete answer...........This time last year it was in much better nick.

They were flooding it with water before kick off and we get about 20% of the ball so I think it’s probably deliberate.

 

[TheDukeOfBanburyshire]

I know we won and I’m over the moon but I’ve got to say Jamie Cummings kicking is atrocious.

Really very poor. Cheaply concedes possession almost every single time.

 

[Followtheox1]

The problem is that I don't think this style of play is sustainable in terms of getting the points we need - even until the end of the season. It just puts too much pressure on our defence for too long. Sometimes it will work and we will get a point or three, but more often we will lose.

But - that may well be the best we can hope for. Being more attacking might well be worse and make us even more vulnerable. We have all seen how we cannot cope against any kind of pace when we are up the pitch.

If we were actually down, I would say 'FK IT' - just try to play on the front foot, set up something for next season. It wouldn't really matter. And actually probably the same if we had enough points to stay up! But as it is, we are *likely* to go down. I don't like the style of football and don't *think* it will help us escape. But given that two separate professional managers now seem to have come to the conclusion that this is the best chance we've got - surely we have to stick with it for now?

Agree. While I can understand the game plan involved a low block, I just don't believe the game plan involved us playing like that. I really think the MB surely expected more from us in terms of counter attacking. It's not sustainable for us to sit back like that with no threat at all.

On another note, I hate this putting everyone back for a corner which was the same under Rowett. Just means they have more bodies in the box. If we leave someone up, then they put two or three of their players back.

 

[BigAlan]

Agree. While I can understand the game plan involved a low block, I just don't believe the game plan involved us playing like that. I really think the MB surely expected more from us in terms of counter attacking. It's not sustainable for us to sit back like that with no threat at all.

On another note, I hate this putting everyone back for a corner which was the same under Rowett. Just means they have more bodies in the box. If we leave someone up, then they put two or three of their players back.

Been saying this for ages, always stick say Stan Miles up on the half way line, then they have to mark him and the ball won’t get knocked back in as usual.

 

[ZeroTheHero]

On another note, I hate this putting everyone back for a corner which was the same under Rowett. Just means they have more bodies in the box. If we leave someone up, then they put two or three of their players back.

Agreed. I think we also need to leave another one or two back (preferably someone who has some sort of speed!) when *we* have a corner. At the moment we are as likely to concede on a breakaway as we are to score ourselves.

I was glad to see the reduction in the 'long, oh not quite long enough' throws though, so perhaps a lesson has been learned! Of course a long throw can be a good weapon, but that one that falls short of the front post (and all of our players!) isn't it.

 

[OnlyOneUnited]

Surprised Donley isn't getting more praise, and has had some criticism.

I thought he was integral to the performance yesterday. It's the first time since Ruben Rodrigues that a 'number 10' has had the legs and energy to essentially allow our midfield to function as a three when we didn't have the ball.

I think our insistence on a two-man midfield has held us back this season. With Ruben in that role, he worked so hard and got back into central midfield to support.

Donley did the exact same yesterday and it made the world of difference. That has to be the end of MPH in that position (who does not have the legs to get back into midfield). If we're going to continue with this shape, Donley has to be the '10'.

 

[Steve Gilbert]

Looks more like league one pitch now

It didn't even look that good.

 

[Steve Gilbert]

No issue with player discipline. Attitude and discipline is vital to forming a cohesive squad of players all working together for the cause.

Personally though, I would run a 1 strike warning system… so he’s late, he gets a rollocking and a reminder of his responsibilities but the starting team remains as planned for during the week of training. But, next time you’re dropped regardless.

What happens if half the starting 11 get caught out with an unforeseen traffic situation and arrive late?

But if you set out your stall , you have to follow it through.

I don’t know, maybe he had a previous warning and this was the final strike .

Players will generally get a bonus based on appearances. Why should a player receive a bonus for starting when they can't turn up on time yet every other player can?

While I don't agree with Bloomfield's treatment of BDK in mid week, he got this one spot on.

 

[ZeroTheHero]

There are ways of being late. Before the days of mobile phones, I was on my way driving to a job interview. There was a massive hold up on the journey - so when I was past it I found a phone box and called the company concerned. They were glad I'd phoned, moved the interview back in the day and it turned out OK. If I'd just sauntered in late, then it wouldn't have been OK at all!

Nobody is going to be dropped if they have a proper reason for being late - and it is not exactly difficult to make a phone call nowadays to let people know. If you just can't be arsed to be on time (and of course we don't know the circumstances here) then you deserve what you get.

 

[Common Villager]

The problem is that I don't think this style of play is sustainable in terms of getting the points we need - even until the end of the season. It just puts too much pressure on our defence for too long. Sometimes it will work and we will get a point or three, but more often we will lose.

But - that may well be the best we can hope for. Being more attacking might well be worse and make us even more vulnerable. We have all seen how we cannot cope against any kind of pace when we are up the pitch.

If we were actually down, I would say 'FK IT' - just try to play on the front foot, set up something for next season. It wouldn't really matter. And actually probably the same if we had enough points to stay up! But as it is, we are *likely* to go down. I don't like the style of football and don't *think* it will help us escape. But given that two separate professional managers now seem to have come to the conclusion that this is the best chance we've got - surely we have to stick with it for now?

Good post which sums up my general thoughts well.

My only gripe with yesterday is that I think we played a lot deeper than we needed to. Other fans are suggesting that we played deep as West Brom had a lot more possession but, in my opinion, they had a lot more possession because we played so deep.

The other thing I would argue is that, despite being so deep, we still gave up quite a lot of space in the channels and around the box. West Brom were really wasteful with a few opportunities. There was one example in the first half where they worked a good position on the edge of our box and had a man over on the left but somehow didn't create a shooting opportunity. Other teams at this level would've taken advantage of such a scenario. In general I felt that we were more focussed on being behind the ball than going with runners and engaging with West Brom's attackers.

I suppose there's an argument that we need to commit to a certain style of play and 'master' it, but I also think we need to be able to adapt to the opposition and play a bit more on the front foot if the game allows and when the opposition are evidently struggling e.g. Leicester away when we pressed and won the ball much higher up on several occasions.

 

[Foxy]

What we have to remember on here is that this team suddenly has not become good.
Look at the comments on Wednesday after Stoke, players were getting critiqued left right and centre but now they are getting praise.
As @Thomas/Brock/Jones has pointed out these are the same players that have got us where we are. In some games in patches we have looked decent going forward but it is the inconsistency that will be our undoing.
I haven’t changed my mind since the Norwich game when I thought the game was up. Since then a couple of decent draws away but followed up by a dire performance v Stoke.
What we need is at least a point at Preston who aren’t that good, then we have to win our next home games against Blackburn and Charlton.
Even I might start to believe the great escape is possible if that happens

A point at Preston would be good, Leicester and West Brom have very difficult away games up next. Then as you say, we have Blackburn and Charlton at home. Win these next home games and we will probably be above Leicester and West Brom.

 

[Chris on a Bike]

While I don't agree with Bloomfield's treatment of BDK in mid week, he got this one spot on.

I understand the need for rules and the need to implement them but he should keep that in house even if it means a white lie. I bet he wouldn't have put it on record if we'd lost yesterday. And what would he have done if say three players were car sharing and were two minutes late? Now if Makosso makes an error or has a poor performance he'll be called out by some on here as having a bad attitude, not committed etc etc although he looked well pleased/invested in the post match celebrations.

 

[Village-Yellow]

Players will generally get a bonus based on appearances. Why should a player receive a bonus for starting when they can't turn up on time yet every other player can?

While I don't agree with Bloomfield's treatment of BDK in mid week, he got this one spot on.

I am not questioning Bloomfields decision. His rules, his decision. I am just saying that I would also not have a problem if initially it was a warning (one chance only).

I just hope Cumming and Ingram don't travel to a game together and get stuck in traffic

 

[Whingit]

My only gripe with yesterday is that I think we played a lot deeper than we needed to. Other fans are suggesting that we played deep as West Brom had a lot more possession but, in my opinion, they had a lot more possession because we played so deep

We were far too deep at times, but there's no way it was coached. If we can put a couple of results together and execute a few patterns of play that have been worked on in training then confidence will increase, mentally will improve and players will naturally get higher up the pitch.

 

[Steve Gilbert]

I understand the need for rules and the need to implement them but he should keep that in house even if it means a white lie. I bet he wouldn't have put it on record if we'd lost yesterday. And what would he have done if say three players were car sharing and were two minutes late? Now if Makosso makes an error or has a poor performance he'll be called out by some on here as having a bad attitude, not committed etc etc although he looked well pleased/invested in the post match celebrations.

I think we have seen in the last week that Bloomfield is more than happy to air things publicly that probably should be kept in house.

 

[Chris on a Bike]

Regrettably yes

 

[Foxy]

Ah Droylsden - Did you have to mention that team, it gives me nightmares! ......however it is very apt to bring that team up at the moment, just to bring one or two moaners down to earth. Especially those people younger than 25 that have only experienced promotions.
19 years ago we lost 3-1 at Droylsden and it was live on Setanta Sports, for the whole nation to experience our embarrassment.
We have come a long way in 19 years, some people need to appreciate that, and there are ups and downs in supporting football teams.

I was at Droylsden and it was miserable. I had managed to delete that from my memory until now. Where did I put my pills!

 

[uptheus]

The problem is that I don't think this style of play is sustainable in terms of getting the points we need - even until the end of the season. It just puts too much pressure on our defence for too long. Sometimes it will work and we will get a point or three, but more often we will lose.

But - that may well be the best we can hope for. Being more attacking might well be worse and make us even more vulnerable. We have all seen how we cannot cope against any kind of pace when we are up the pitch.

If we were actually down, I would say 'FK IT' - just try to play on the front foot, set up something for next season. It wouldn't really matter. And actually probably the same if we had enough points to stay up! But as it is, we are *likely* to go down. I don't like the style of football and don't *think* it will help us escape. But given that two separate professional managers now seem to have come to the conclusion that this is the best chance we've got - surely we have to stick with it for now?

That’s the approach that Wolves seem to have taken, but I guess the difference is that they’ve already accepted that they’re down e.g. they’re now going for it, and they look so much better with fans/commentators saying why didn’t they play like this before as things could have been so much better!!

I guess I’m a ‘attack is the best form of defence’ sort of fan, especially when I feel teams are there for the taking which I felt WBA were.

 

[Oldman159]

Konak and Donley added an extra strength. Good link ups between Lankshear, Donley & Mills. Need much better distribution forwards though from the midfield & wing backs

And better MUCH BETTER distribution from Jamie Cumming would help, no doubt.

 

[uptheus]

Tiles are rules though, if he was late because of an unexpected traffic accident I’m sure he has hands free mobile on the car and would have called ahead where MB might say thanks for letting us know, but to me he was late by 2 mins that must have been a bad accident as I’m sure he must have left it late to leave from wherever he is residing .
I’ll give you an example of what my wife and I do, we’re going on holiday abroad no matter what time the flight is we’re there around 6 hours before the reason how many times have you seen on the tv programmes people missing their flight because they closed check in, I would rather be early relax have something to eat and go through to departure as soon as I can. Long winded I know and not remotely the same but make an effort to make sure you’ll be there ready!

I agree Bazza, but we don’t know if he did call, but like I said, I just hope logic and reason was taken into consideration.

The good thing is, by Bloomfield’s comments it seems to have been accepted by Makosso and we all move on/draw a line under it, so I guess that’s the end of it really.

ps I hope you don’t miss your flight stuck in a 6+ hour traffic jam!!

 

[Peterdev]

Nice to see what Donley can do. Nice measured effort in first half little over. Hopefully will improve

 

[Peterdev]

Nice to see what Donley can do. Nice measured effort in first half little over. Hopefully will improve

 

[ZeroTheHero]

I guess I’m a ‘attack is the best form of defence’ sort of fan, especially when I feel teams are there for the taking which I felt WBA were.

I am too - but much as I am completely sure I would make an absolutely top notch football manager, I just feel that if two actual managers have adopted virtually identical tactics they might have identified a flaw in that approach...

 

[uptheus]

I am too - but much as I am completely sure I would make an absolutely top notch football manager, I just feel that if two actual managers have adopted virtually identical tactics they might have identified a flaw in that approach...

But they both could be wrong based upon our current position