THE foundations of Oxford United’s energetic performance at Burton Albion were laid weeks ago, says Karl Robinson.

The U’s were aggressive with and without the ball at the Pirelli Stadium, enabling them to go 3-0 up after half an hour and put the game to bed.

United’s 5-1 victory completed a perfect week for the visitors, who beat AFC Wimbledon on Boxing Day before edging a thriller at Plymouth Argyle in midweek.

Mide Shodipo: Burton thrashing shows Oxford United have clicked

But any suggestion the U’s would be tired from their exertions on Tuesday were answered by their fast start against Sky Bet League One’s bottom side.

Robinson felt United’s 11-day break before the Wimbledon game had an impact, while he also praised the defensive trio of centre backs Elliott Moore and Rob Atkinson and Jack Stevens in goal.

The U’s head coach said: “The performance was an accumulation of good substitutions at the right time and keeping players fresh.

“The rest that we had coming into this paid dividends for the first 15 to 20 minutes and we had a really high energy level.”

Robinson added: “The intensity you’ve seen from the staff on the touchline has been a big aspect of our game over the last two months.

“Our two centre backs and goalkeeper have given us tremendous stability to be more aggressive in the final third.

“It was a very pleasing front-foot performance.”

Karl Robinson: it was a near-perfect afternoon for Oxford United

The U’s substitutions showed their strength in depth, with Cameron Brannagan and Sam Winnall returning from injury and Jordan Obita replacing Mide Shodipo.

The trio’s inclusion meant Sean Clare and Mark Sykes did not make the 18, but Robinson admitted this was a welcome headache.

He said: “I had very difficult conversations with them.

“They did everything in the last few days to be with us.

“Liam Kelly also wasn’t in the squad (through suspension), so I’ve got major problems picking a team.

“That’s a very good place to be as a manager.”