Sunderland left it late at the Kassam Stadium to record yet another vital three points, as they continued their hopes of a play-off position this season.
The Black Cats had taken an early lead through Corry Evans before Elliott Moore drew the game level for the hosts just before half-time. But in typical Rokerites spirit, Elliot Embleton fired home the winner from the bench to lifted Alex Neil's side back into the top six.
With Oxford boss Karl Robinson admitting Sunderland's late decider was a bitter pill to swallow, the U's are now 4 points outside of the play-off places following yesterday's results.
READ MORE: Sunderland channel spirit of Roy Keane as another late winner keeps them on course for the play-offs
Elsewhere, Sheffield Wednesday could only manage a point at Bolton Wanderers, with Wycombe Wanderers also left frustrated, following their 1-1 draw with Gillingham at Priestfield.
The Black Cats are now tied on 73 points along with Wednesday and Wycombe, with the fifth-placed Owls ahead on goal difference. Plymouth Argyle are ahead in fourth position five points clear having also drawn away at Burton Albion this weekend.
With just five games now remaining for Neil's side heading into the final knockings of the campaign, the 40-year-old has stressed how important the role his whole squad can play given Embleton's impact late on.
"Elliot is important and all the substitutes are important between now and the end of the season," said Neil. "If you think of the last two or three matches, we wouldn't have the points we have got if it wasn't for the guys coming onto the pitch and impacting the game.
"I can't stress enough how important those lads are. It's difficult to keep their minds focused and keep them motivated because obviously they are disappointed that they are not playing, but time after time they are coming on and doing well so they are obviously in the right place to impact the team."
Sunderland now face Shrewsbury Town at the Stadium of Light on Good Friday before a crucial test with the Pilgrims awaits just three days later on Easter Monday.
