OXFORD United’s first three games in Sky Bet League One have all produced the same result: 1-0, 1-0, 1-0.

That string of scorelines is very binary, but the challenge facing Karl Robinson and the U’s is more nuanced: striking a balance between defensive security and all-out attack.

United already look more solid than they did last season, but the lack of chances created, let alone converted, in the opening three matches suggests they will struggle to get near their 2021/22 tally of 82 goals.

READ MORE: Karl Robinson admits Oxford United are yet to strike a balance

Robinson acknowledged that the U’s are finding it difficult to be effective at both ends of the pitch and they fashioned very few openings between John Marquis’ 34th-minute winner for Bristol Rovers and the full-time whistle.

The head coach said afterwards that United had been warned about the hosts trying something from a free-kick, but the lapse in concentration proved costly.

As temperatures soared past 30C Rovers were more than happy to disrupt the game whenever possible in what became a poor spectacle.

United’s improved defensive displays raise hopes we could see that sort of gritty, 1-0 win more regularly this season, but they must offer much more going forward first.

Even discounting injuries, the U’s have several attacking players who would get in most League One teams but that talented group of individuals are yet to produce the free-flowing attacking performance they are capable of.

RATINGS: Every Oxford United player marked out of 10

In four matches this season, United have scored three goals thanks to one moment of brilliance and two deflections.

They all count, but it shows the U's have so far lacked the cohesion to carve out multiple chances every game like they did last term.

That is down to a combination of factors but they need more pace at the top end of the pitch, particularly when two midfielders sit deep to leave the onus on the front four.

Marcus McGuane has been a revelation in that position but it feels like Cameron Brannagan is more influential further forward, which contributes to United's reduced threat.

Matty Taylor has had very little to work with leading the line so it would have been interesting to see him partnered by Kyle Joseph, rather than replaced by him.

With Rovers fans - and the club's Twitter account – as obsessed as ever with the U's striker it must have been immensely frustrating to be jeered off just after the hour mark.

WATCH: Highlights of yesterday's game

There is no need to panic three games into a season, but United could really do with two positive results at home this week.

With all due respect to Lincoln City and Morecambe, they are both teams you would expect to finish in the bottom half of the table and these matches present an opportunity to turn a stuttering start into a strong one.