Karl Robinson makes a bold claim about Oxford United after their defeat to Sunderland

The U’s largely dictated the game at the Kassam Stadium, having considerably more possession and shots on targets than Phil Parkinson’s men.

But they fell to defeat after Jordan Willis’ header within the first two minutes – with Robinson left to bemoan the slow start.

"They won it in 90 seconds, but we dominated for 90 minutes, he said, speaking to the Oxford Mail.

"I thought in every area we dominated.

"Again when they defend so deep with the five and the two sitting in front you are reliant on the ball dropping to you.

"They’re in a moment where the ball is dropping for them in the defensive areas.”

Victory saw Sunderland continue a fine run of form which has seen them lose just one of their last 13 games in League One.

But Robinson feels no side has tested the Black Cats as much as his Oxford side during that period.

"I thought we moved the ball efficiently and aggressively,” he added.

"I thought we played forwards very early and asked a number of questions.

"It’s probably the most I’ve seen them pushed so far in this run that they’re on.

"It doesn’t make it any easier for us or the fans that we’ve got beat again, we accept that, but what more can the players do?

"They gave us everything, to a man. I don’t think anybody underperformed, they ran their socks off right to the end."