Unseen hero's early spark and steel lift Oxford United | OneFootball

Ciaron Brown created the opener in the fourth minute with a headed pass, setting the platform as Oxford United beat Leicester City 2-1.

Rising at the back post, Brown nodded across goal for Sam Long to finish (4.). From there he shut down the right channel as the Foxes funnelled attack after attack towards his side.

After the restart, he kept Oxford organised as the Foxes pushed higher, stepping out to meet crosses and getting a vital block in the box. His positioning forced hurried final balls and bought his wing-back time to recover.

He finished with 11 clearances, two interceptions and three aerial wins, a numbers line that underlined how his dominance in the air and on second balls blunted Leicester's late pressure.

Operating on the right of a back three, his proactive starting positions let him attack first contacts and protect the back post, ensuring Oxford controlled the key defensive moments.

Oxford United host Birmingham next. The Foxes welcome Charlton.