Shane Long, Ledley King and the Premier League´s fastest goalscorers
Shane Long made history on Tuesday when he plundered the fastest goal in Premier League history in Southampton’s clash with Watford at Vicarage Road.
The Republic of Ireland international showed superb determination to block Craig Cathcart’s attempted clearance and then wonderful composure to clip over Ben Foster after just seven seconds.
He takes the record from Ledley King, who scored after just under 10 seconds against Bradford City in 2000.
Here, we take a closer look at the top five fastest goals in the Premier League’s history.
Shane Long: Watford v Southampton, April 2019 – 7.00 seconds
There appeared to be little danger when Cathcart looked to play a long ball downfield from Roberto Pereyra’s kick-off but Long had other ideas. His block fell fortuitously into his path but there was nothing lucky about the glorious flick over the onrushing Foster.
What a moment! #SaintsFC‘s @ShaneLong7 celebrates the fastest goal in #PL history! pic.twitter.com/M4fpU1sIcj— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) April 23, 2019
Ledley King: Bradford City v Tottenham, December 2000 – 9.82 seconds
It might have held the title of quickest goal for nearly 19 years, but it certainly was not the prettiest. The former England international powered forward from midfield and dispatched a bobbling effort past Matt Clarke, who might feel he should have done better.
10 seconds!
#OnThisDay in 2000, @LedleyKing scored the fastest-ever @premierleague goal!#COYSpic.twitter.com/czAIjGxcmq— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 9, 2017
Alan Shearer: Newcastle United v Manchester City, January 2003 – 10.52 seconds
The Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer scarcely needed a helping hand to find the back of the net but he got one from Carlo Nash. The Magpies hero closed down the City goalkeeper’s attempted clearance and tapped into an empty net for possibly the easiest finish of his decorated career.
Christian Eriksen: Tottenham v Manchester United, January 2018 – 10.54 seconds
The Denmark international took full advantage of some generous United defending to set Spurs on their way to a 2-0 win. Son Heung-min’s attempted shot was blocked into the path of Eriksen, who coolly slotted past a shell-shocked David de Gea.
Mark Viduka: Charlton Athletic v Leeds United, March 2001 – 11.90 seconds
The former Australia international was known for his languid style but he was quick out of the blocks against Charlton. Alan Smith’s header fell kindly for his strike partner and Viduka made no mistake, steering a fine finish past Sasa Ilic.
130 #PL appearances
59 goals
Mark Viduka joined @LUFC #OnThisDay in the year pic.twitter.com/N4oQw58W4o— Premier League (@premierleague) July 21, 2017
