WATFORD, United Kingdom (AFP) - Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history as he netted after just 7.69 seconds of his side's 1-1 draw at Watford on Tuesday (April 23).
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 was only Long's fourth goal of the season for struggling Southampton, with three of those now coming in his last four appearances.
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.
Long's historic goal didn't prove to be the winner at Vicarage Road as Andre Gray scored a 90th minute equaliser for FA Cup finalists Watford.
Even so, it could be a valuable contribution to the Saints's fight to avoid relegation.
Ralph Hasenhuttl's team are now six points clear of third bottom Cardiff with just three games remaining.
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.
Brighton Edge Into FA Cup Quarter-Final reacts after fumbling a save during the English FA Cup fifth round football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Derby County at the American
LONDON (REUTERS) - Defender Jan Vertonghen scored once and set up another goal for Son Heung-min as Tottenham Hotspur beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday (Feb 13) to give them the clear edge following the first leg of their last 16 Champions League tie.
Vertonghen shines as Tottenham beat Dortmund 3-0 - Football
Football: Furious Sarri slams Chelsea players as 'difficult
All eyes on Milan clash for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri Made In Chelsea fans delight as original stars Millie Mackintosh and Caggie Dunlop reunite for a 30th but fume over 'wellness
Injury wrap: Big calls loom for Tigers ahead of huge clash
Apr 16, 2019 · Messi, now, at 31, goes where he likes, when he likes, and Ernesto Valverde's Barcelona flexes its shape to fit in the gaps. He spends the first 10 minutes or so of every game ambling around
On Soccer: A Genius in Full Bloom, Lionel Messi Lifts
Jahanbakhsh on target as Iran ease past Oman into last eight Soccer Football - AFC Asian Cup - Round of 16 - Iran v Oman - Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - January
Jahanbakhsh on target as Iran ease past Oman into last eight
Man City's Sterling treated differently by British media, says Pogba. Sports when asked whether the media treated Sterling differently because of the colour of his skin. say racism in
Man City's Sterling treated differently by British media
Liverpool will spend Christmas on top of the Premier League after goals from Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk earned them a 2-0 win at Wolves on Friday, opening up a four-point lead over second
Liverpool seal Christmas top spot as Salah and Van Dijk sink
Depay fires Dutch past Belarus in Euro 2020 qualifying opener AFP March 21, 2019, 10:52 PM GMT Memphis Depay fired a brace and set up two more as the Netherlands hammered Belarus in their Group C
Depay fires Dutch past Belarus in Euro 2020 qualifying opener
Kevin-Prince Boateng set for shock Barcelona move - Reports Catalan daily Sport reported that the leaders of La Liga had agreed a deal to take Boateng on loan until the end of the season with an
Football: Boateng set for shock Barcelona move - reports
Sheffield United moved to the top of the Championship table and to within touching distance of the Premier League after beating Ipswich 2-0 at Bramall Lane. Although not mathematically yet certain, Chris Wilder has taken the Blades from the League One to the very top of English football. The end of Blades' 12-year top-flight exile […]
Toothless and in freefall: National media on Huddersfield
Man Utd and Liverpool look to sign £70m Lille winger Pep but star could be too much for Emery has had an impressive last few seasons for Lille with scored 21 goals in 36 appearance this
Jürgen Klopp guides Liverpool to Champions League glory
Lucas Moura: From PSG cast-off to Tottenham idol. Tottenham's Brazilian forward Lucas celebrates the victory with teammates at the end of their Uefa Champions League semi-final second leg
Football: Lucas Moura, from PSG cast-off to Tottenham idol
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has said Eden Hazard is free to leave the club if he wants to but the Italian hopes the forward stays at Stamford Bridge. Hazard has been linked with a move to
Hazard can leave Chelsea if he wants, says Sarri - Reuters
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri admitted it will be hard to deny Eden Hazard a move to Real Madrid this summer, even if a reported £100 million ($130 million) move is "too cheap" for the Belgian
£100m too cheap, but hard to keep hold of Hazard, admits Sarri
0 comments:
Post a Comment