On Tuesday 23 April, Southampton’s Shane Long made history when he scored the fastest goal in Premier League history in their 1-1 draw against Watford at Vicarage Road.
The Republic of Ireland international was to block Craig Cathcart’s attempted clearance before pulling off a wonderful composure to clip the ball over goalkeeper Ben Foster after just seven seconds.
He takes the record from Tottenham’s Ledley King, who scored after just under 10 seconds against Bradford City in 2000.
But Who are the other fastest Premier League goal scorers?
Shane Long: Watford v Southampton, April 2019 – 7.00 seconds
There appeared to be little danger when Cathcart looked to play a long ball downfield from Roberto Pereyra’s kick-off but Long had other ideas. His block fell fortuitously into his path but there was nothing lucky about the glorious flick over the onrushing Foster.
Ledley King
Bradford City v Tottenham, December 2000 – 9.82 seconds
It might have held the title of quickest goal for nearly 19 years, but it certainly was not the prettiest. The former England international powered forward from midfield and dispatched a bobbling effort past Matt Clarke, who might feel he should have done better.
Alan Shearer: Newcastle United v Manchester City, January 2003 – 10.52 seconds
Christian Eriksen: Tottenham v Manchester United, January 2018 – 10.54 seconds
Mark Viduka: Charlton Athletic v Leeds United, March 2001 – 11.90 seconds