Is it time to bring Mousinho back, again?

Tuesday night saw Oxford register their first clean sheet in 19 matches and - though Walsall away in the new PJT is not the most impressive game to end the run – it will have had a massive boost on the confidence of United’s defence.

As will the return of skipper John Mousinho, who had not started for nearly two months after a knee injury but captained the side to this win, as part of a centre back pairing with 16 years between them – nearly as old as Joshua Anifwose who was named on the bench for United.

Though Nico Jones probably won’t be challenging for a first team place just yet – John Mousinho might.

With Rob Atkinson on the verge of returning and Elliot Moore having seemingly cemented his place in the starting line-up, Robinson has to think about whether he should bring back the club captain from his virtual coaching role. 

John Mousinho played around three fifths of Oxford’s matches last year, rotating with Elliot Moore for the place alongside Dickie in defence, but United’s defensive sturdiness did seem to improve when the experienced pro was in the side.

Oxford had a clean sheet percentage of 45% when John Mousinho started compared to 40% when he was not in the first eleven. 

Oxford also conceded a lower average goals per game (0.90) with Mousinho in the starting line up than in the matches without him (1.25).

Mousinho’s calmness on the ball is also commendable, and though he isn’t famed for his passing range, his presence on the pitch seemed to get the whole team performing better in possession.

Last season’s average of 57% possession with Mousinho playing is 4% better than their average without him.  

It’s also evident in their passing, averaging 432.2 passes per game without the 34-year-old and nearly 450 with him.

However, while Mousinho may have made Oxford’s defence more solid, that does not necessarily correlate to better attacking performances. 

Elliot Moore and Rob Dickie are seen as more progressive centre backs, and their ability to bring the ball out from the back – as we have seen Atkinson is more than capable of when fit – is exactly what managers like Robinson want.

This led to Oxford averaging more shots and goals per game with Moore playing instead of Mousinho.

United also averaged over two more crosses per game with Moore, possibly showing how Mousinho’s composure may allow Oxford to keep the ball, but might not be the most effective route for creating chances and getting the ball into dangerous areas. 

Mousinho also offers less of a goal threat himself.

Mousinho has averaged a goal every 40 games at Oxford, compared to one every 10 games for Moore.

Having taller and bigger goal threats in the box could be a major weapon for Oxford, with 27% of their league goals this season coming from set pieces.

A conservative option

Mousinho’s leadership has an undeniable impact on the defence, making him the perfect man for a crisis.

Mousinho helped Oxford to a loss percentage of just 20%, compared to 35% when he was absent. However Oxford actually had a higher win percentage without Mousinho.   

Though Mousinho may be a key asset in stopping the rot, if Robinson wants to stick with his attacking ethos he may be better sticking with Atkinson, who has averaged the most interceptions and the third most dribbles per game in this Oxford squad.

Robinson will however sleep better knowing he’s got another card up his sleeve, and if this poor defensive run continues, he may have to sacrifice some of Oxford’s attacking impetus for the experience and leadership Mousinho brings to this otherwise relatively unexperienced Oxford squad.

And with the two both in contention for Tuesday, it will be interesting to see who Robinson picks for Oxford vs Crewe - attempt number three.