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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Ian Mitchelmore

The Swansea City player ratings as fringe men make statement but changes derail Swans in defeat at Oxford

STEVEN BENDA 6

The German didn't have a save to make in the first-half and was more than comfortable with the ball at his feet. Shocker for Oxford's first goal but atoned with a great save to deny Tyler Goodrham late on. Helpless with Brannagan's strike and couldn't keep any spot-kicks out in the shootout.

JOEL LATIBEAUDIERE 7

A very solid outing from the defender who was very accurate on the ball and looked comfortable in a back four. Subbed.

BEN CABANGO 7

Captaining the Swans for the first time, Cabango did his defensive duties well and got forward when possible too to give others around him an option. Tired late on.

HARRY DARLING 7

Typically bold in possession and regularly demonstrated a willingness to carry the ball up the pitch. Looked comfortable next to Cabango and was never really troubled defensively. Withdrawn.

RYAN MANNING 8

Made so many defensive interventions and was impressive at the back and going forwards on the left. Won numerous free-kicks and was excellent before being replaced.

JAY FULTON 7

Following a tough afternoon against Blackburn, Fulton fully proved his worth on this occasion. Used his experience time and time again to ease the burden on those behind him and was more than lively in attack, not least when rifling home a free-kick early on. Fine display from the Scot before coming off, and things went downhill.

OLLIE COOPER 6

The Welshman was a tackling machine and looked composed throughout. Tired as the game went on and had a far tougher second-half.

NATHANAEL OGBETA 6

Ogbeta regularly used his pace to good effect and tested Eddie McGinty with a driven shot in the first half. Put in numerous crosses into the Oxford box in what was a lively shift on the left flank. Far quieter after the restart though.

CAMERON CONGREVE 7

The academy product's weight of passing was majestic throughout while his confidence shone through. Battling efforts led to Swansea's second goal but he was shattered in the second-half. Forced off.

MATTY SORINOLA 6

A number of positive moments in possession but wasn't always as accurate as needed. As with others, found it tougher in the second-half and unfortunate to miss from the spot.

LIAM CULLEN 7

Handed a rare start, Cullen took his goal brilliantly and got into plenty of promising positions throughout. Scored in the shootout too.

Subs

Joe Allen (for Fulton) - Had the Jack Army belting out numerous chants before he was even summoned from the bench. A couple of sloppy moments in possession went unpunished, but there was plenty of slick play on the ball too. Scored his penalty. 6

Olivier Ntcham (for Latibeaudiere) - The game was more ragged by the time he came on. Scored his penalty. 6

Azeem Abdulai (for Manning) - Some really composed moments mixed in with some tougher spells on his debut. 6

Nathan Wood (for Darling) - Fairly solid in defence, although the disruptions did little to help Swansea's cause. 6

Joel Cotterill (for Congreve) - A memorable night for the debutant to get some action. But gave away the free-kick for Oxford's equaliser. N/A

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