“Oxford Boss Singles Out ‘Stellar’ Sunderland Star and Drops Shocking Promotion Prediction
Oxford United Prepares for Tough Trip to Sunderland After Previous Successes Against Top Teams
Ahead of Saturday’s challenging match against Sunderland, Oxford United can take some confidence from their earlier performances against Championship rivals.
The U’s started strong in the second tier, defeating Norwich City 2-0 in their opening match. They then faced promotion contenders Burnley and West Bromwich Albion, earning a point against both at Kassam Stadium. Last weekend, a late header from Tottenham Hotspur loanee Dane Scarlet secured a draw against West Brom.
However, Oxford’s fortunes changed at the Stadium of Light, where they faced a Sunderland team that appears unstoppable. Even without first-choice goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, Sunderland dominated the match, with Jobe Bellingham scoring a powerful header and Wilson Isidor adding a stunning volley, resulting in a 2-0 scoreline that flattered Oxford.
Post-match, Oxford boss Des Buckingham acknowledged Sunderland’s quality, saying, “They are a top team and in great form right now. We tried to prepare to compete, but when facing a team like that, defeat can happen.”
Isidor, on loan from Zenit St Petersburg, has been in excellent form, netting four goals in six starts. Buckingham noted that while Oxford gave away possession leading to Isidor’s goal, the finish was impressive.
He also expressed confidence that Sunderland won’t experience a decline like last season, having amassed 28 points from a possible 36 so far. “We’ve faced West Brom and Burnley at home, teams that I believe will finish near Sunderland by season’s end,” Buckingham added. “Playing away can feel like a different challenge altogether.”
Buckingham highlighted how Oxford conceded both goals. “The first was due to a rotation down our left side that we didn’t handle, and the second came as we tried to play out. Even so, you can’t take anything away from the quality of the strike.”
Left-back Ciaran Brown endured a tough game against Sunderland’s Patrick Roberts, who excelled after being dropped to the bench for the previous match. Brown expressed relief when the final whistle blew, acknowledging Sunderland’s strong performance.
“They are a very good team, and they capitalized on our mistakes today,” Brown admitted. “It just didn’t click for us, and we have to give credit where it’s due. Conceding the goal in that manner was a real blow, leaving us to fight an uphill battle.”
