Oxford United player ratings in tough Cambridge United draw

Siriki Dembele scored his second goal of the season to put Oxford ahead but Ben Knight equalised in the second half to secure a point for both sides.

Aaron Ramsey’s men head into the international break sixth in the table.

Here is how we rated the U’s…

Simon Eastwood – 6

Another solid outing for the 37-year-old.

Was caught scrambling after a long shot from Sam Curtis almost caught him out, but claimed a hatful of crosses impressively as per usual.

Peter Kioso (Spencer 70′)- 7

Kioso continues to meet standards under Ramsey.

A physical force who puts himself in the way of everything and is rarely caught out of position.

Did all he could for the Cambridge goal but their persistence paid off.

Michal Helik – 6.5

The Pole has visibly improved on the ball under Ramsey and made on beautiful through ball to Mo Missanga.

Michal Helik plays the ball out from the back (Image: Darrell Fisher)

Assured during crosses but the team failed to deal with the cross for the visitors’ equaliser.

Ciaron Brown – 6

Defended the box well until the goal alongside Helik.

Jack Currie – 6

A good outlet on the left and his presence makes Dembele better, the two interchanging nicely and allowing the winger to occupy dangerous territory.

Jamie McDonnell (Sibley 9′)- N/A

Withdrawn early through injury.

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Cameron Brannagan – 5.5

Booked for a brief altercation but tried to get play moving.

The problem with playing teams that are bit more pragmatic is that they nullify Brannagan’s favoured pivot role and therefore he is less involved in the game.

Kai Andrews (O’Donkor 58′) – 6

Decent positionally but again, against another pragmatic team like Burton Albion, was less involved.

Mo Missanga brings the ball down (Image: Darrell Fisher)

Mo Missanga (Lynch 58′) – 6

The quietest of his appearances so far.

The heights Missanga has hit have meant a performance that is just ‘good’ is not as highly looked upon.

A bit shaky at the start but threatened with his pace and agility later on.

Mark Harris (Goodrham 70′) – 6

Bagged an assist and had a couple of tame efforts which were saved and blocked.

Never posed a huge threat to Jake Eastwood.

Siriki Dembele – 8

Another standout display from Dembele.

His rapid feet and trickery are proving too much for defenders in this league and he scored his second in two games from a chance that he initially created.

Substitutes:

Louie Sibley – 7

A strong midfield performance from the early substitute who got everywhere, harassing the opposition and getting some good shots off.

Gatlin O’Donkor – 6

A more physical threat who tried to drag Oxford up the pitch later on.

Luka Lynch in action for Oxford United (Image: Darrell Fisher)

Luka Lynch – 6

Showed flashes with some good movement but not on the ball enough.

Tyler Goodrham – 6.5

Two troubling efforts and a strong threat off the bench.

Brodie Spencer – 6