Republic of Ireland international Shane Long scored the quickest goal in Premier League history
Shane Long was on target for the third time in four games last night but his latest goal has put him into the record books. The Republic of Ireland international gave Southampton the perfect start away to Watford with a goal after only 7.69 seconds, making it the fastest goal in Premier League history. It broke a 19-year record held by Tottenham defender Ledley King, who scored after 9.82 seconds against Bradford in December 2000.
Long revealed after the 1-1 draw at Vicarage Road that he had no idea he had broken the record and he also said Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl told him to " put them under pressure " from the kick off. The 32 year-old blocked a Craig Cathcart clearance before lifting the ball over the advancing Ben Foster. It was a great finish from Long who has found his goal scoring touch in recent weeks. The Tipperary man scored in the Saints 3-1 defeat to Liverpool and followed that up with a goal against Wolves the following week.
Southampton's Shane Long celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Vicarage Road, Watford.Top 10 Fastest goals in the Premier League
1. 07.69 seconds - Shane Long Watford v Southampton 2018-19
2. 09.82 seconds - Ledley King Bradford City v Tottenham 2000-01
3. 10.52 seconds - Alan Shearer Newcastle v Man City 2002-03
4. 10.54 seconds - Christian Eriksen Tottenham v Man Utd 2017-18
5. 11.90 seconds - Mark Viduka Charlton v Leeds 2000-01
6. 12.16 seconds - Dwight Yorke Coventry v Aston Villa 1995-96
7. 12.94 seconds - Chris Sutton Everton v Blackburn 1994-95
8. 13.48 seconds - Kevin Nolan Blackburn v Bolton 2003-04
9. 13.52 seconds - James Beattie Chelsea v Southampton 2004-05
10. 13.64 seconds - Asmir Begovic Stoke v Southampton 2012-14
