Arsenal Defeat, Fleetwood Win and Transfer News

Oxford United had a mixed week, losing in the FA Cup before clinching an important three points in League One.

Otherwise there was an excellent cup result for the youth team, a newcomer and more transfer rumours.

Oxford United Weekly Round-Up: Arsenal loss, Fleetwood win and transfer updates

Regardless of the result, an evening to be proud of 👏 pic.twitter.com/guBN8eTg8O

— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 10, 2023

We’re out of the FA Cup

Oxford United were eliminated from the FA Cup after a defeat at the hands of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

The U’s performed well in the first half and went into the break level while keeping the Gunners at bay.

However, the visitors showed their quality in the second half, scoring three goals to set up a game against Manchester City in the fourth round.

Young U’s progress in the cup

Oxford United Under-18s reached the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup with a 3-1 win over Cardiff City.

However, it was a poor start for the young U’s as they fell behind within just three minutes and were trailing by half-time. Oxford equalized after the restart before a brace from Gatlin O’Donkor sent the U’s through to the fifth round for the first time in club history.

FA investigate spot-fixing vs Oxford United Defender

US defender Ciaron Brown is under investigation by the FA for alleged spot fixation.

The left-back was booked in the second half of Oxford’s FA Cup defeat by Arsenal on Monday night and the FA launched an investigation into suspicious betting patterns linked to the booking.

A statement from the club read: “Oxford United can confirm that they have been made aware of a specific allegation of irregular betting relating to our Emirates FA Cup game against Arsenal on Monday night.

“The club will fully cooperate with any investigation and while this is ongoing we are unable to comment further.”

Ready to work 💯

🟡🔵 #OUFC | #COYY pic.twitter.com/jWFYFvqEeb

— Oxford United FC (@OUFCOfficial) January 12, 2023

Signed on January 3rd

Oxford then signed for a third time in the January transfer window with the addition of Warrington Town defender Teddy Mfuni.

The 18-year-old centre-back, who graduated from Preston North End academy, impressed U boss Karl Robinson during a trial ahead of Christmas.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Robinson said: “He came in and did really well. He’s got a great attitude, he’s worked exceptionally hard and has done well in a couple of friendlies behind closed doors.

“He’s still very raw but there’s a lot of good stuff to work with and hopefully he keeps improving and doing really well for us.”

Mfuni added: “I would like to thank Warrington who gave me a chance to play at a good level and learn from a very competitive league.

“I came to Oxford, loved it while I was here in court for a week and then when I went home I waited two days for the phone to ring!

“When they called me to offer me this opportunity, I jumped at it and I’m absolutely determined to do my best and show what I can do.

“There are some great players here, the coaches are excellent and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Midfielder on League Two clubs wish list

Second division Gillingham takes aim at Oxford midfielder James Henry. after Darren Witcoop.

The 33-year-old has made 25 appearances this season, scoring once and providing two assists, but only 15 of those have been starts and he has only completed 90 minutes twice.

The midfielder, who joined Oxford in 2017, has made 237 appearances for the club and signed a new contract at the start of the season.

Chelsea’s three loanees at Hull City are in interesting situations:

– Harvey Vale returns to Chelsea (certainly room for him to be in the first team)
– Xavier Simons has three main options in January
– Nathan Baxter is recovering from surgery but is staying in Hull #CFC https://t.co/7CCvfDJX36

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) January 13, 2023

U’s Target Chelsea midfielder

Oxford United are one of several clubs looking to sign Chelsea youngster Xavier Simons, according to the Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella.

The 19-year-old, who is currently on loan at Hull City, has attracted interest from USA, Charlton Athletic, Leyton Orient and Salford City.

The defensive midfielder, who can also play as a right-back, has only made two competitive appearances for the Tigers this season and is looking forward to regular playing time.

Kinsella claim Chelsea are ready to sell Simons this month rather than see a return to the club.

Three points in League One for Oxford United

On the pitch, Oxford bounced back with a 2-1 away win at Fleetwood Town.

A returning Simon Eastwood made several saves in the first half but failed to keep the hosts at bay after they scored at half-time.

But it was another returning player who leveled the game with Kyle Joseph, who scored a stunning solo goal just a minute after coming on.

They left late but Ciaron Brown jabbed home from a corner to secure all three points.