In the three decades between Leicester’s last trip to Oxford, the two sides have travelled significantly different paths – with the Foxes scaling to the top of English football as Premier League champions, while the U’s dropped as low as National League level.
And while Oxford started the day 18 places below Leicester in the table and without a league win this season, they had Marti Cifuentes’ high-flying Foxes working hard from the outset.
Lankshear’s ninth minute finish, after Jacub Stolarczyk’s failure to hold a Matt Phillips volley allowed Michal Helik to cut the ball back for the Tottenham loanee, was a deserved opener after a bright start from the hosts.
A disastrous back pass from newly appointed U’s captain Cameron Brannagan gifted Ayew the chance to immediately restore parity.
Przemyslaw Placheta then threatened to restore Oxford’s lead, with an effort that crashed off the crossbar and dangerously rebounded back against goalkeeper Stolarczyk.
But the reprieve was soon forgotten as Ramsey saw red for a dangerous, studs-up challenge on Oxford’s Bulgaria international and fellow debutant Filip Krastev – moments after testing Jamie Cumming with a fierce shot.
Despite going a man down, Stephy Mavididi was quick to show that Leicester would remain a threat with a solo attempt that had Oxford’s defence scrambling before Cumming made a save at his near post.
Davies’ header from a corner, which cannoned off the unsuspecting Soumare and beyond Foxes goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk, put Gary Rowett’s side back ahead in the 44th minute.
Cifuentes called on the experienced duo of Harry Winks and Pereira at half-time, and the Foxes’ Portuguese captain was quick to make a decisive contribution – linking up with Abdul Fatawu at the end of a intricate passing move before coolly slamming home the equaliser.
There were also late shouts for a Leicester penalty, with a cross from Ayew hitting the arm of Sam Long, but those appeals were waved away by referee Ben Toner as the visitors were forced to settle for a hard-earned draw.