Player ratings as woeful Southampton lose at Oxford United | OneFootball

Southampton slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Oxford United after another poor away display. According to Sainstmarching.com, it was an inept showing that left travelling fans with little to cheer.

Tyler Goodrham put Oxford ahead on 23 minutes after Saints failed to clear a corner. His thunderous strike fizzed through a crowd and beat Gavin Bazunu to the keeper’s right despite a fingertip touch.

Saints levelled six minutes later. Léo Scienza swung in a free-kick from the right-hand side and Taylor Harwood-Bellis headed in powerfully.

After the break Southampton wasted two clear chances. Caspar Jander volleyed over from close range from Tom Fellows’ cross, then Adam Armstrong shot straight at the keeper when better placed to score.

Stanley Mills settled it for Oxford in the dying minutes, compounding a limp Saints display.

Harwood-Bellis was Southampton’s standout, scoring and making a crucial last-ditch tackle, and was named player of the match. Bazunu was hesitant on corners and may feel he could have done better with both goals.

Fellows won the free-kick for the equaliser and created Jander’s big chance. Downes was busy but loose in possession, while Ryan Manning’s delivery and dead balls were below his usual standard.

Scienza was lively before being withdrawn after 56 minutes. Armstrong failed to score for the third match running, while Finn Azaz again struggled to influence play.

Oriol Romeu was tidy off the bench, Jay Robinson impressed, Ryan Fraser offered little, and Cameron Archer was not rated.

Source: Sainstmarching.com