Siriki Dembele’s first-half goal gave struggling Oxford a 1-0 win over promotion-chasing Sheffield United at the Kassam Stadium and ruined Chris Wilder’s return to his former club.
It denied the Blades a return to the top of the Sky Bet Championship table, where they had started the day.
Burnley’s 2-1 victory at Coventry had earlier taken the Charets to the top – and Wilder’s team could do nothing about it.
In a scrappy encounter, Dembele struck in the 38th minute, rolling the ball past goalkeeper Michael Cooper from close range after Michal Helik then Ciaron Brown helped on Will Vaulks’ long throw.
It was only Dembele’s second goal of the season – he also hit the winner in Oxford’s previous home game against Watford.
The Blades, who had boasted the best away record in the Championship, were not at their best but came up against an Oxford side that battled for everything in difficult, windy conditions.
Oxford boss Gary Rowett reverted to the side that beat Watford 1-0 in their last home fixture, while Wilder named an unchanged side.
After a quiet start, Rhian Brewster fired in a shot on the turn that took a slight deflection for the visitors. Soon after, at the other end, Oxford centre-half Helik met Dembele’s corner with a firm header which was straight at goalkeeper Michael Cooper.
Oxford’s players were adamant that forward Ole Romeny was elbowed when he went for a header inside the box but neither referee James Linington nor his assistant saw it.
Wilder’s men went close in the 22nd minute when Harrison Burrows took a return pass to get in behind the home defence and struck an early angled shot that Jamie Cumming beat away.
Cumming made an even better save with an outstretched leg from Tyrese Campbell’s low shot.
Oxford relied a lot on Vaulks’ long throws and the height of Helik, Brown and Ben Nelson.
There was a good response from the Blades after going behind, with Cumming having to make a smart save from Sydie Peck at his near post.
The visitors piled on the pressure in the second half, with Oxford hoping to capitalise on quick counter-attacks.
Brown made an outstanding last-ditch interception when Brewster threatened, before Cumming got down low to save an unconvincing Campbell effort.
Peck tried his luck from 30 yards and saw the shot whistle past the post.
Oxford defended frantically at times, both from corners and Jack Robinson’s long throws, but held out for only their second win in 12 games – and a massive three points in their bid to beat the drop.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.Poor Man Utd Napoli step up talks over Darwin Nunez deal Man City's Cherki wants Man Utd revenge This is why Trent can speak Spanish How are there 2 Mbappes? Cristiano Ronaldo isn’t retiring anytime soon. This is what football is all about. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt's standout attacker Hugo Ekitike as he attracts Prem interestMan Utd might have an advantage in the race for Hugo EkitikeManchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt standout Hugo Ekitike.The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with United, Chelsea and ...
KYLE WALKER has agreed to join Everton on a one-year deal. The England right-back has been locked in talks with Toffees chiefs since his return from his loan spell at AC Milan. Kyle Walker is bringing the curtain down on his glorious Man City careerEverton and current club Manchester City will now thrash out whether it is a permanent deal or just a 12-month loan while he sees out the remainder of ...
Chelsea have enquired about Lyon sensation Malick Fofana as they continue to look for Jadon Sancho's replacement.Chelsea eye move for Lyon's FofanaBlues looking for Sancho's replacementChelsea face LAFC in Club World Cup on MondayWHAT HAPPENED?Per The Athletic, the Blues have made a verbal enquiry about 20-year-old Lyon winger Fofana as they look to bolster their squad in the summer transfer windo...
Everton keen to rival Fenerbahce for WalkerPer journalist Mike McGrath, Everton have shown interest in signing Kyle Walker after the Manchester City star failed to secure an AC Milan move.Last week, reports emerged in the Turkish media that Fenerbahce are keen on signing the veteran full-back as Jose Mourinho is aiming to bolster his squad ahead of the new season. Fenerbahce have even formally sub...
Arsenal, Man Utd ask Real Madrid to name Brahim priceArsenal and Manchester United have sounded out Real Madrid over a price for Brahim Diaz.The former Manchester City midfielder has attracted enquiries from both Premier League giants, says Okdiario.For his part, Brahim is settled in Madrid, though there is concern inside his camp over the imminent arrival of Franco Mastantuono from River Plate.Th...
DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB LeipzigCelta Vigo have signed permanently Iliax Moriba from RB Leipzig.The midfielder had spent last season on-loan with Celta, which have now decided to sign him permanently from RBL for a fee of €6m.Celta announced today: "RC Celta has exercised the purchase option agreed upon last summer with RB Leipzig and has completed its second sign...
Japhet Tanganga's Millwall contract includes a modest £1.2m release clause (Image: Getty)Crystal Palace are interested in signing Japhet Tanganga from south London rivals Millwall. But the Eagles' pursuit of the defender will depend on the sale of Marc Guehi, who is once again attracting interest from some of the Premier League's top sides.Tanganga has spent the past 18 months at The Den, ini...
Andre Onana is set to remain Man Utd's starting goalkeeper (Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)Andre Onana is poised to remain as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper next season. Despite the Reds' boss Ruben Amorim desiring a new No. 1, seeking a replacement for Onana isn't high on the agenda as United focus on revamping a squad that ended up in 15th place last season.United had an...
Jack Grealish has been left out of Man City's Club World Cup squad (Image: Getty)Liverpool could play an important role in saving Jack Grealish from his Manchester City nightmare this summer. The former Aston Villa talisman has been left out of Pep Guardiola's Club World Cup squad and put up for sale, with City hoping to recoup some of the £100million they paid four years ago, or at least eas...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 3 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 4 Laura Woods gives update on post-pregnancy body
- 5 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 6 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN
- 7 'If you want to understand, it's really obvious' – USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino responds to Christian Pulisic, eager to move past off-field drama
- 8 Tottenham make 'mega £70m bid for Bryan Mbeumo' as Man Utd fear hijack
- 9 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 10 Daily Laugh - Liverpool are spending big