Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal of the Premier League era when he netted after 7.69 seconds in Tuesday's draw at Watford. This goal breaks the initial record of 9.82 seconds scored by Tottenham Ledley King against Bradford in 2000.
The goal makes it three goals from four games for the Southampton striker after scoring in back-to-back games against Liverpool and Wolves, Long was given just his 10th start of the season against Wolves. His record-breaking strike at Vicarage Road looked to set to move fourth-bottom Southampton eight points clear of the relegation zone with three matches to play, but Watford snatched a late point through Andre Gray's close-range finish.
In a post-match conference, the striker was quoted saying :
"The manager said to make a quick start and put them under pressure,"
"It's a nice record to have."
"Ninety-nine times out of 100 you don't block them clearances, but I did and took a touch across him," he said.
"Ben is an amazing keeper, he spreads himself so well so I knew before the game that the dink was a good finish against him - and it came off.
"Every game we try to force them into a long pass early and show intent from the first ball, I blocked it and it fell nicely.
"But I'm disappointed not to get three points, I think we did enough out there."
The goal makes Shane Long the first in the firstest EPL goal scored with Ledley King (09.82s) in second place, Alan Shearer (10.52s) and Christian Eriksen (10.54s) coming in third and fourth position respectively.
