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.
As the centre-back attempted to clear up field, Long charged it down and raced through before lifting in his landmark goal. 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.
New record (in seconds): 7.69; Old Record (in seconds): 9.9