Ally McCoist’s unexpected choice for man of the match for Tottenham vs Newcastle marks a first in legendary commentator’s 27-year media career
Ally McCoist made an unexpected choice for his man of the match as Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-1.
Alexander Isak scored the winner for Newcastle, with Anthony Gordon equalizing after Dominic Solanke gave Tottenham an early lead.
McCoist attended the match as part of TNT Sports’ coverage.
The popular former Rangers star finally made a decision he had never made before during his long media career.
McCoist’s media career dates back to the 1998 World Cup, when he was part of the BBC punditry team after missing out on Scotland’s selection for the tournament.
Since then he has covered many games for various organizations.
Ally McCoist made an unexpected choice for man of the match as Newcastle defeated Tottenham
McCoist changed the convention by presenting the man of the match award to a player from the losing side: Tottenham goalkeeper Brandon Austin.
Austin, 25, has been at Tottenham since joining as a youth player in 2007 but was finally given the chance to make his senior debut for the club with Guglielmo Vicario missing through injury and Fraser Forster absent due to illness.
Despite Tottenham losing the match, Austin took his chance as he controlled his penalty area well and made a number of impressive interventions.
McCoist told TNT Sports: “I think it might be the first time in my co-comm career that I haven’t given it to a player in the winning team.
‘I’m going to give it to the Tottenham goalkeeper, I’ll tell you why. I think he is absolutely excellent at crossing under pressure.
“Brandon Austin, man of the match, fingers crossed he doesn’t make a mistake for now and before the end of the game. But you think someone waited that long.
McCoist then praised Austin for a save against Harvey Barnes and highlighted how long the goalkeeper waited for his chance.
He said: ‘Man of the match. Absolutely, what a rescue. He has been on the bench for 17 years, 7 managers, 78 times without resigning. You can’t begrudge him that.’
McCoist named Brandon Austin man of the match despite being on the losing side
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou also praised Austin for his performance against Newcastle
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou also praised Austin after the match, saying: ‘Yes, brilliant, you know, as I said before the match, you don’t know when you’ll get your chance, but he got it today and it was excellent. ‘
However, it remains to be seen whether Austin will get many more games for Tottenham as the club have agreed a deal worth £12.5 million plus add-ons to sign goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky from Slavia Prague.