- Get link
- X
- Other Apps
...
April 23, 2019. In just 7.69 seconds, Irish striker Shane Long carved his name into Premier League history by scoring the fastest goal ever recorded in the competition.
Representing Southampton, Long delivered the unforgettable moment during a midweek clash against Watford at Vicarage Road, instantly igniting the match and leaving fans stunned.
The goal came from the very first play of the game. Right from kickoff, Long pressed aggressively and read a slow clearance from Watford defender Craig Cathcart.
He then sprinted toward Ben Foster, Watford’s veteran goalkeeper, who attempted a rushed kick.
Long charged it down with perfect timing, causing the ball to deflect and land kindly for him. With remarkable calm, he lifted it over Foster and into the net before the home side could even settle into position.
This goal shattered the previous Premier League record of 9.82 seconds, held by Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King since December 2000.
Long’s goal was 2.13 seconds faster, and remains unmatched to this day, making it one of the most iconic individual moments in modern Premier League history.
The match eventually ended 1 to 1, with Watford striker Andre Gray equalizing in the final moments. Although Southampton did not walk away with all three points, Long’s goal overshadowed the result and dominated headlines around the world.
Long, who joined Southampton from Hull City in 2014, was already known for his work rate, aerial ability, and relentless pressing style. This goal was a perfect example of his trademark hustle and football intelligence. It wasn’t just luck. It was instinct, timing, and total commitment.
At the time, Southampton were battling to stay clear of the relegation zone, and moments like this brought much-needed energy and belief to the team. For Long personally, it stood out in a career marked by consistency and grit more than glamour.
This goal, however, gave him a slice of immortality and a place in the record books.
Premier League fans and pundits widely praised the goal for its speed and sheer audacity. The Premier League’s official channels even posted the highlight repeatedly in the following weeks, with commentators calling it "the blink-and-you-miss-it goal" and "a textbook case of pressure paying off."
Even years later, the moment is celebrated as one of the league’s most unique records. No player since has managed to beat that mark, despite many attempting fast starts in games. The goal is now regularly featured in countdowns of the best and fastest moments in football.
For Southampton supporters, it remains a source of pride. For Shane Long, it is the kind of legacy that transcends stats and scores. And for Premier League history, it serves as an unforgettable reminder that the game can change in a flash and that sometimes, greatness happens in the very first breath of a match.
See also:What Liverpool, Man United, others could make in the 2024/25 Premier League
Comments
Post a Comment