Ally McCoist hit back at commentator Darren Fletcher during the opening minutes of Aston Villa’s Premier League opener against Newcastle.
The game began well, with the Magpies having the better chances in the first half but failing to capitalise.
Debutant Anthony Elanga squandered a glorious opportunity just three minutes in as he saw his shot comfortably saved by Marco Bizot in the Villa net.
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Less than 10 minutes later, it was Anthony Gordon’s turn to miss a golden opportunity.
Anthony Elanga missed a big chance just three minutes into his debut for the Magpies after his £55million move from Nottingham Forest
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Former Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes whipped a perfect delivery into the Villa box, with Gordon managing to reach the ball with his head, only to send it way over the crossbar.
“Anthony Gordon not quite able to keep the header down, there,” Fletcher said on commentary, with McCoist taking umbrage at his comment.
“You’re being kind, you’re being too kind!” McCoist exclaimed, who felt the English international should have got the effort on target.
Anthony Gordon missed a great headed chance just eight minutes later and Ally McCoist felt the winger should have done better
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“It’s a great ball in. He’s got to do better with the header; that’s a big chance," said the Scot.
Newcastle dominated the opening proceedings but failed to convert chances, naturally leading the commentary duo to question whether the presence of Isak could have made a difference to the scoreline.
The Swedish striker was left out of the squad by Howe amid his ongoing transfer dispute with the club.
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The 25-year-old is refusing to play for Howe’s side as he looks to force through a move to Liverpool, who beat Bournemouth 4-2 on Friday evening.
Before his side’s opening game, Howe was quick to dismiss any discussion of the striker and focus on a tough Villa test that they faced.
“It’s no different to how it has been for a number of weeks,” the former Bournemouth boss said. “We are without him [Isak]. We are adapting to that and still trying to be competitive. Today will be a big test for us.
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Eddie Howe dismissed talk of wantaway striker Alexander Isak before the game
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"We feel in good spirits. It is a strong team he [Unai Emery] picks, so hopefully we go well.
"We believe in the team we have picked today. There have been distractions through pre-season, but that's been for me, and not the players."
Howe, who won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League last season with Isak on Tyneside, dismissed any conversation about his talisman: "Now is not the time to discuss that. All my emotions are towards this game. This is a tough place to come. We have got to be there mentally, me included.”
While Isak has been the subject of much of the transfer talk this summer, Emery’s side have been far from it.
Villa have been quiet in the window so far, making just two senior additions to the squad. Emery insisted the club remain active in the window and are looking for further options to bolster their line-up.
"Of course, we are very happy with how we are building the team,” the four-time Europa League champion said. “We are in the transfer window, and we have to try separate when we are involved in the window, and we are so focused on preparing for this match now.
"The players are ready. Here at Villa Park, we can get our fortress strong again.”