THE Oxford United fans leaving a sold-out Kassam Stadium could be forgiven for thinking they had seen it all before.

Elliot Embleton’s 89th-minute winner had just struck another brutal blow to the U’s Sky Bet League One play-off hopes and it ended a week that felt rather like Groundhog Day.

Like their defeats to Plymouth Argyle and Morecambe in the previous seven days, United did not take their chances and conceded avoidable goals against Sunderland.

When the same failings reoccur it is not just down to luck, even if the U’s deserved more from all three games.

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United used to have a reputation for underperforming in front of big crowds, but five-figure attendances have become the norm at the Kassam Stadium.

The sell-out of 11,690 was the most to watch a game at Grenoble Road in 2021/22 and the U’s at least gave them a display that should have earned a result.

After an even first 15 minutes, United conceded after failing to clear a set-piece - not for the first time this season.

It would be harsh to blame Luke McNally as Jay Matete's shot came through a crowd of bodies to strike his legs, but there were six U’s players around Corry Evans as the Sunderland captain took a touch and finished from 12 yards.

We know United are vulnerable on the break so a one-goal deficit was far from ideal, yet they recovered well and were arguably in control from the 25th until the 85th minute.

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Too many moves broke down in the final third, often because of players taking an extra touch, but it was at least pleasing to see a defender score from a set-piece.

Elliott Moore's return, Billy Bodin's free-kicks and Ciaron Brown's long throws meant the U's offered more threat when the ball came into the box.

We have not seen it often enough this season, with yesterday's equaliser only the tenth goal by a United defender, compared to 20 in 2020/21.

One area where the U's have been unlucky in the last three matches is that they have faced goalkeepers in fine form.

Anthony Patterson's save from Ciaron Brown’s header midway through the second half did not quite reach the heights of Morecambe's Trevor Carson on Tuesday, but it was a super stop.

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At this stage of the season it is all about finding ways to win and Sunderland are in that vein of form.

When centre back Danny Batth replaced forward Nathan Broadhead with 11 minutes left Alex Neil looked to be playing for a draw.

But six of the Black Cats' last eight goals have come after the 80th minute and they capitalised on a spell of pressure - something United have not done recently - to take the points.

The U's defence drifted towards Jay Matete as the midfielder ran towards the penalty area, leaving Brown marking Ross Stewart and Embleton free to finish. It was a frustrating way to end a frustrating week.

United could get ten points from their last four games and still fall short, even with a good goal difference, so they need to be perfect.

Fine margins make or break a season at this time of year and the U's have learnt that the hard way.