Oxford United finally got their Championship campaign up and running as Cameron Brannagan's stunning free-kick completed a spirited comeback in a 2-2 draw with Coventry City at the Kassam Stadium. After three successive league defeats and a 6-0 Carabao Cup mauling by Brighton, Gary Rowett's side twice came from behind against the division's most free-scoring team to earn their first point of the season.
Coventry, unchanged from their 7-1 demolition of QPR and fresh from putting five past Derby, led through Haji Wright and Victor Torp in a first half they largely dominated. Will Lankshear and Brannagan struck either side of the interval to haul the hosts level, and although Wright rattled the crossbar in stoppage time, Oxford held on to halt their losing run while the Sky Blues remained unbeaten.
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The visitors arrived in Oxford brimming with confidence and continuity. Frank Lampard named an unchanged side from the team that had swept aside QPR, and every outfield player had been part of last season's squad that reached the play-offs. That familiarity showed from the opening minute as Coventry's passing combinations immediately carved out a chance, Wright turning a left-wing cross narrowly past the near post.