Siriki Dembele says he 'knows how talented' he is after breaking the deadlock in Oxford United's three-nil win over Burton Albion on Saturday, 12 September. The forward's 76th-minute strike opened the floodgates at the Kassam Stadium, where two late goals sealed the points.
Dembele's bold claim
Speaking after the match, Dembele made no secret of his self-belief. "I know how talented I am," he said, pointing to a run of form that has coincided with Oxford's climb up the League One table.
The goal against Burton was his latest contribution in a season where the U's sit fifth in League One on 10 points from five games, three points behind leaders Sheffield Wednesday. Fans who remember leaner years at the Kassam will recognise the mood shift around the club this month.
Sibley and O'Donkor add the gloss
Dembele did not stop at his own goal. He turned provider in stoppage time, teeing up Louie Sibley for the second in the 90th minute before Gatlin O Donkor added a third four minutes into added time, assisted by Tyler Goodrham.
The win extended Oxford's winning run to two games and continued a pattern of strong finishes: the club's recent form reads three wins, one draw and one loss from their last five, including a four-nil away win at Leicester on 5 September in which Dembele's teammates Harris, Missanga and McDonnell all found the net.
What it means now
Oxford have scored 12 goals and conceded six this season, a plus-six goal difference that reflects the attacking edge Dembele's form has helped provide. Supporters can check the club's progress through the season on the standings page, where the gap to Sheffield Wednesday at the top is laid out game by game.
Dembele's display added another entry to a growing case for a regular starting berth, and anyone wanting the full breakdown of his output alongside teammates can find it on the stats page. The squad list, including where Dembele fits among Oxford's forward options, is available on the squad page.
Oxford United's next test comes at home to Cambridge United on Saturday, 19 September, a game that pits fifth against fourth in League One. Fans planning to attend can check kick-off details on the fixtures page ahead of what shapes up as a significant test of the U's current form.
