Karl Robinson impressed by 'ruthless' Oxford United in Rochdale win

The U’s won 3-0 for the fourth successive home game in Sky Bet League One to go fifth in the table, stretching their unbeaten run to 10 games in the process.

First-half goals from Josh Ruffels and Tariqe Fosu and a red card for Rochdale’s Aaron Wilbraham meant United were in complete control at the break.

Read also: Oxford United 3 (Ruffels 20, Fosu 27, Long 85), Rochdale 0

The hosts kept probing and were rewarded by Sam Long’s second goal for the club on 85 minutes, with Robinson impressed by the relentless performance.

He said: “I thought in the first 40 minutes we were sensational, when it was 11 versus 11 it could have been three, four or five [goals].

“We showed a real intent. I don’t think we came off it or changed our personality at any stage of the game.

“It’s one of the ruthless elements we need to have - If you look at the big teams, they don’t feel sorry for anybody.

“We showed that in abundance – there was a horrible edge to us, but in the nicest and most respectful way.

“We have respect for Rochdale and know on any given day they can create one chance, or we have a slip and all of a sudden it’s a different game.”

United had 30 shots and forced 12 corners during a dominant display, with injuries to Cameron Brannagan and Chris Cadden the only sour note of the afternoon.

Brannagan damaged his knee during a challenge in the opening exchanges and was substituted at half-time, while Cadden sustained a hamstring injury that forced him to leave the pitch after 50 minutes.

Both players will go for a scan on Monday morning as United prepare for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup fourth round tie against Sunderland.

Robinson said: “Cameron's was just a blocked tackle and they’ve both collided as he went in.

“His knee is really sore, Cads is not as bad as we first thought.

“He’s still got full power in his hamstring – it’s not good, but it’s not bad.

“[The scan] will clarify who we do or don’t have for the game on Tuesday evening.”