Leeds United fell to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at Elland Road on Wednesday night.
The Whites began their post-World Cup programme against one of the toughest possible opponents.
Leeds had the unenviable task of taking on a City side boasting the dangerously prolific Erling Braut Haaland.
To their credit, Jesse Marsch’s side very nearly held Pep Guardiola’s charges to a 0-0 scoreline at the break.
However, Leeds ended up conceding on the stroke of half-time, Rodri prodding the ball past Illan Meslier.
Then, in the 51st minute, the Whites found themselves two down, with Jack Grealish setting up Haaland.
The England international found himself one-on-one with Meslier after a clever interception.
Instead of going for goal, Grealish opted to roll the ball to his left, teeing Haaland up for an easy tap-in.
And while Grealish won plaudits for his altruistic play, McCoist was raging over the role two Leeds players had in the build-up.
The Amazon Prime pundit wasn’t happy with Liam Cooper and Robin Koch.
“It’s totally unselfish,” he said, via BBC Sport (28/12, 21:14). “Brilliant from Grealish.
“The two centre-backs here, Cooper and Koch. I don’t know what they’re playing at.
“Cooper has got no idea that Grealish is behind him. Grealish is very very clever.
“All Haaland needs to do is hold his line and he gets a tap in. So simple from City’s point of view.
“Koch gets caught ball watching. You cannot do that against any opposition, particularly this opposition.”
Haaland went on to score a second for City, while Pascal Struijk netted a consolation for Leeds on 73 minutes.
The Leeds defence has been found wanting far too often this season, and this proved the case against City tonight.
Admittedly, the Whites were always up against it when up against such a dangerous opponent. City were always going to be favourites.
Nonetheless, defensive issues are nothing new for Leeds this term, and it’s something Jesse Marsch has to address over the coming weeks.