KARL Robinson says Oxford United will not change their way of playing when they take on Premier League leaders Arsenal tonight.

While there may be a temptation to resort to using physical prowess or playing the ball long in the Emirates FA Cup third round tie, United head coach Robinson said his side will not adjust their style.

Attacking football has been Robinson’s blueprint in recent years, with the U’s seeking to outscore their opponents, knowing goals will likely be conceded at the other end.

This season however has been a struggle so far for the club, who sit 15th in Sky Bet League One and 11 points outside the play-offs.

The Gunners meanwhile are flying in the Premier League under Mikel Arteta, and are five points clear of Manchester City.

Arteta’s side have lost just once in the league all season, and prior to a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United last week, had won five on the bounce in the top flight.

Robinson though says he will not adjust his team’s way of playing when they come up against Arsenal.

He said: “We play, we don’t turn it into a fight where we try and use our physicality.

“We don’t have that, we’ve got ball technicians in the central area of the football pitch.

“We don’t have any other way of playing so sometimes that can help or hinder in these games.

“We don’t have that terrible pitch or real tight ground, and get it forward to the two big men to work on second balls.

“It’s not who we are and we’ll stick to our identity as well because it’s important we have an identity when we go into these games.”

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Robinson also stressed the importance that United’s fans will have on the game, especially as possession of the ball will likely be at a premium.

Asked what he wanted from U’s supporters for the FA Cup clash, Robinson said: “Stay behind us regardless of the fact the ball will be incredibly precious and very rarely at our feet, and to stick with us in those moments.

“The most important thing is that the players and the fans are at one.

“I know how much the players respect the fans, that’s something we try do here.”

On the wider connection between players and supporters in football, Robinson said that link is something which has become less visible in a sport dominated more and more by money.

“We try to make sure that the players understand this game is pointless without fans,” said Robinson.

“We’ve become such a financially driven sport that we’ve forgotten about the most important aspect.

“It’s about fans, it’s about community, it’s about togetherness.

“The most important thing is that the players and fans have a connection, and hopefully we’ll see that on Monday night.”