Max O’Leary – 6
Had very little to do throughout the afternoon but wasn’t at fault for the first goal at all. When he was called upon, though, he produced a number of great stops to deny Oxford United. Will be happy with the performance after his display last week.
George Tanner – 6
Looked to attack Oxford United down the right side but was caught by the pace and energy of Sirki Dembele on a number of occasions. The right-back was troubled by the U’s attack and was caught on the counter attack a few times but came to the rescue to deny Dembele early in the second half.
Zak Vyner – 6
As always, the classy defender made an attempt at moving the ball forward with a number of passes over the Oxford backline. His vision can’t be faulted as he opened the visitor’s defence countless times in the first half. Vyner and McNally did struggle with the pace of Oxford’s front line when they did attack at times.
Luke McNally – 6
Very similar to Vyner as he attempted to cut open the Oxford defence, with his passes out wide. However, he struggled with the power and creativity of the visitor’s attack, especially with the dangerous Mark Harris leading the line.
Haydon Roberts – 8
One of the best players on the pitch for City for the majority of the contest. Almost everything started down the left side from him and linked-up brilliantly with Twine. Was very unlucky not to have an assist or two next to his name after an excellent performance after he was given the nod at left-back over Cam Pring. But he played a crucial role for City’s winner after he was brought down in the box.
Joe Williams – 5 (Replaced on 46 minutes)
Once again struggled for a large part of the game and was replaced at half-time, with Manning opting for a more attacking option. He was booked after just 10 minutes but also couldn’t bounce back from his poor display against Blackburn Rovers either.
Jason Knight – 7
The midfielder looked classy in the centre of the park, making a number of crucial passes and runs into the Oxford armoury. He linked up superbly with Hirakawa for City’s equaliser, with Knight finding the winger before Armstrong converted the cross.
Max Bird – 7
His versatility was once again needed as he rotated from the number 10 position before dropping to a holding role at half-time. Like Knight, played a number of key passes forward in good areas.
Anis Mehmeti – 7 (Replaced on 89 minutes)
Should’ve had a goal to his name in the first-half. The winger, who was one of three changes, shone in the first period and had three great chances to get on the scoresheet. However, his three efforts on target were denied by Jamie Cumming in the Oxford goal. His performance did quieten, though, in the second half.
Scott Twine – 7
Very refreshing to see him playing well. There were questions as to why he kept playing on the left-wing, but his display was one of his better over recent weeks. He combined superbly with Roberts down the left and used his creativity to full effect.
Sinclair Armstrong – 8 (Replaced on 64 minutes)
Like Roberts, was one of the best players on the pitch for City this afternoon. His power caused the Oxford defence all kinds of issues. He had a number of chances in the first half before rewarding his place in the starting XI with a goal. He finished Hirakawa’s cross with a well-timed finish from close range.
Yu Hirakawa (on at 46 minutes) – 8
Running out of words with how good he is! Made an instant impact from the bench at the break as he caused Greg Leigh all kinds of problems in the second half. After coming well with Knight, his driven ball into the box found Armstrong for City’s leveller before he played a superb ball to find Roberts, who went down in the box leading to City’s second.
Nahki Wells (on at 64 minutes) – 7
He replaced Armstrong in attack halfway through the second half and used his experience to cause the Oxford defence plenty of issues. It had to be him to score the winner too as he calmly converted his penalty past Cumming to complete the turnaround 14 minutes from time.
Cam Pring – N/A
Came on in the final minutes to sure up the defence as he replaced Mehmeti.