Share

WATCH: Shane Long scores fastest goal in EPL history after just 7 seconds

Watford - Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history on Tuesday after netting just 7.69 seconds into his side's 1-1 draw at Watford, who snatched a point thanks to Andre Gray's late equaliser.

Long's record-breaking goal came immediately after the kick-off when he blocked a clearance from Watford defender Craig Cathcart, allowing the Republic of Ireland international to dink a cool finish over Ben Foster.

The 32-year-old's effort surpassed the previous fastest Premier League goal, scored by Tottenham defender Ledley King in 9.9 seconds against Bradford in December 2000.

"It's a record, is it?" Long told Sky Sports News with a grin after the game.

"Straight from the kick-off we wanted to put them under pressure. 99 times out of a hundred you block it and it doesn't work but this time it did."

Long's historic goal, just his fourth this season, didn't prove to be the winner at Vicarage Road after Gray's 90th minute equaliser for the FA Cup finalists but nonetheless moved them six points from the relegation zone with three matches remaining.

"It's nice to have a record like that, but it would have been nicer if it was the winning goal," Long added.

King was watching Tottenham's game against Brighton on Tuesday when he discovered that his 19-year record had been broken.

After King's goal, the next fastest strike in Premier League history was scored by Alan Shearer after 10.52 seconds for Newcastle against Manchester City in 2003.

Christian Eriksen scored after 10.54 seconds for Tottenham against Manchester United last season.

Lethal Long

The strains of Elton John's 'Rocket Man' had barely finished booming over the loudspeakers when Long gave Southampton lift-off.

The goal actually came from Watford's kick-off as Roberto Pereyra played the ball from the centre-circle back to Cathcart some 40 yards from his own goal.

As the centre-back attempted to clear up field, Long charged it down and raced through before lifting in his landmark goal.

The Saints could have scored more with Nathan Redmond and Ryan Bertrand both hitting the woodwork.

Redmond was also denied by a good save from Foster and Long headed two other presentable chances off target.

Watford dominated after the break and Abdoulaye Doucoure attempted to convert a cross from Kiko Femenia but could only bundle the ball into Angus Gunn's arms.

Christian Kabasele felt he should have been awarded a penalty after a shove by Long in the area, but referee Mike Dean thought otherwise.

Southampton could not hang on and Gray swept home from close range to lift Watford up to seventh and keep Hasenhuttl's men looking over their shoulders a little longer.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE