Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal in the Premier League history after just 7.69 seconds in Tuesday’s draw at Watford.
The Irish striker continued his transformation from a shot-shy workhorse into a prolific goalscorer after he put his team in front 8 seconds after the game had kicked off.
A pass was played back by Roberto Pereyra from the center-spot to central defender Craig Cathcart. Long, sensing the opportunity, charged to close down the space. Cathcart’s attempted clearance was perhaps a little too late as Long caught him on his heels and the ball rebounded behind the defender.
Long then sprinted to the ball and clipped it over a charging Ben Foster from just inside the penalty area.
His goal, officially timed at 7.69 seconds, ended a 19-year record held by Tottenham’s Ledley King.
Speaking after the match, Shane Long said:
The manager said to make a quick start and put them under pressure. It’s a nice record to have.
Goalless in 1320 minutes in January, Long has now scored three times in past four games. This was his fourth goal of the season overall.
| Fastest Premier League Goals | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time (Seconds) | Player | Match | Season |
| 07.69 | Shane Long | Watford vs. Southampton | 2018-19 |
| 09.82 | Ledley King | Bradford vs. Tottenham | 2000-01 |
| 10.52 | Alan Shearer | Newcastle vs. Man City | 2002-03 |
| 10.54 | Christian Eriksen | Tottenham vs. Man United | 2017-18 |
| 11.90 | Mark Viduka | Charlton vs. Leeds | 2000-01 |
| 12.16 | Dwight Yorke | Coventry vs. Aston Villa | 1995-96 |
| 12.94 | Chris Sutton | Everton vs. Blackburn | 1994-95 |
| 13.48 | Kevin Nolan | Blackburn vs. Bolton | 2003-04 |
| 13.52 | James Beattie | Chelsea vs. Southampton | 2004-05 |
| 13.64 | Asmir Begovic | Stoke vs. Southampton | 2012-13 |
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