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.
PARIS (AFP) - Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian captain Thiago Silva has been granted French citizenship, he announced on Twitter on Friday (March 15).. Read more at straitstimes.com.
PSG captain Thiago Silva receives French citizenship
French champions PSG travel to Manchester for the first leg of their Champions League knockout clash with United at Old Trafford. Gigi Buffon has told Paris Saint-Germain to show "a spirit of sacrifice for the team" with Edison Cavani joining Neymar in missing the trip to Manchester United .
ManUtd News - Buffon identifies two problems PSG have ahead
Wolverhampton Wanderers reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1998 by beating last year's runners-up Manchester United 2-1 with a clinical second-half display in an intense
Jimenez, Jota slay United as Wolves reach FA Cup semis
Solskjaer trusts De Gea. If anyone at Manchester United has earned the right to be forgiven for a few dodgy games, it is David de Gea, says his boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who sees the goalkeeper
Solskjaer confirms De Gea will start for Man United against
Tottenham Hotspur gained a slender advantage in their League Cup semi-final against London rivals Chelsea as Harry Kane's penalty earned them a gritty 1-0 first-leg win at Wembley on Tuesday.
Football: Kane penalty gives Tottenham edge over Chelsea in
The former Reds striker says the German would get "the keys to the whole place" if he can land a first top-flight crown in 30 years Jurgen Klopp's Champions League success means that he now
Big news: Jurgen Klopp set to be offered bumper new contract
Delighted Klopp tells players to stay focussed 12/29/2018 Tell your friends. Jurgen Klopp refused to get carried away with the growing expectation that Liverpool can lift the league title for the
Sport24.co.za | Delighted Klopp tells players to stay focused
LONDON (REUTERS) - The search for Cardiff City's new football star, Emiliano Sala, resumed on Wednesday (Jan 23) 36 hours after the light aircraft he was flying on disappeared in the English Channel..
Hopes fade for football star Emiliano Sala as rescuers search
Maurizio Sarri puzzled by Chelsea collapse, says sorry to fans who endured chants of "You don't know what you're doing" from the livid away fans, kept his team in the dressing room for around
Maurizio Sarri puzzled by Chelsea collapse, says sorry to fans
crazybanana.co/2019/02/02/maurizio-sarri-puzzled-by-chelsea-collapse-says-sorry-to.html
Maurizio Sarri puzzled by Chelsea collapse, says sorry to fans Curtis Shaw Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their 4-0 thumping at the hands of Bournemouth, with Maurizio Sarri and his side under increasing pressure following back-to-back defeats in the league.
Maurizio Sarri puzzled by Chelsea collapse, says sorry to fans
Zinedine Zidane's second spell as coach of Real Madrid got underway on Wednesday as the Frenchman took his first session at the club's training ground in Valdebebas. Zidane leads first session
Zidane leads first session since return to Real Madrid | Sport24
Jun 07, 2019 · More European clubs oppose plan to overhaul Champions League. Teams from France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Switzerland have joined the opposition to plans to transform the Champions League
Premier League Clubs 'Strongly Opposed' to Proposed UEFA
0 comments:
Post a Comment