In the world of football, every second counts. And when it comes to scoring the fastest goal in Premier League history, Shane Long of Southampton holds the record with an incredible strike after just 7.69 seconds. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Long’s lightning-fast goal and explore some of the other quickest goals scored in the league. As a passionate football fan, I’ll share my insights on why these record-breaking moments are so special and memorable.
As someone who has followed the Premier League closely for many years, I can confidently say that Shane Long’s goal against Watford on April 23, 2019, will go down in history as one of the most remarkable moments in the league. The Irish striker’s goal came immediately after the kickoff, catching the Watford defense completely off guard. Long charged forward, latching onto a pass from his teammate before calmly slotting the ball past the helpless goalkeeper, Craig Cathcart.
“Shane Long’s goal was a perfect example of anticipation, speed, and composure. As a striker myself, I know how difficult it is to score a goal, let alone in under 8 seconds. It’s a testament to Long’s skill and mental preparedness that he was able to seize the opportunity and execute with such precision.” – Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool manager
Long’s record-breaking goal was timed at precisely 7.69 seconds, surpassing the previous record held by Ledley King, who scored for Tottenham Hotspur against Bradford City in 2000 after 9.82 seconds. However, there has been some controversy surrounding the official timing of these goals, as the Premier League did not start recording precise goal times until the 2006-07 season.
Top 10 Fastest Premier League Goals of All Time
While Shane Long holds the official record, there have been several other lightning-fast strikes throughout Premier League history. Here’s a list of the top 10 fastest goals:
| Player | Club | Opponent | Time (seconds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Long | Southampton | Watford | 7.69 |
| Ledley King | Tottenham Hotspur | Bradford City | 9.82* |
| Alan Shearer | Newcastle United | Manchester City | 10.52* |
| Christian Eriksen | Tottenham Hotspur | Manchester United | 10.54 |
| Mark Viduka | Leeds United | Charlton Athletic | 11.90* |
| Dwight Yorke | Aston Villa | Coventry City | 12.16* |
| Kevin Nolan | Bolton Wanderers | Blackburn Rovers | 12.21* |
| James Beattie | Southampton | Chelsea | 12.42* |
| Asmir Begovic | Stoke City | Southampton | 13.00 |
| Philip Billing | AFC Bournemouth | Arsenal | 13.56 |
*Unofficial time due to inconsistent record-keeping prior to 2006-07 season.
Shane Long’s Record-Breaking 7.69-Second Goal
Let’s take a closer look at Shane Long’s record-breaking goal against Watford. The goal came from Watford’s kickoff, with the ball being played back to defender Craig Cathcart. Under pressure from Long, Cathcart attempted a pass forward, which was intercepted by Southampton’s Oriol Romeu. Romeu then played a quick pass to Long, who had already begun his sprint towards the Watford goal. With just the goalkeeper to beat, Long calmly slotted the ball into the net, securing his place in Premier League history.
What makes Long’s goal even more impressive is the fact that it came away from home, at Watford’s Vicarage Road stadium. The lightning-fast strike silenced the home crowd and set the tone for a dominant performance by Southampton, who went on to win the match 1-0.
As a lifelong Southampton fan, witnessing Shane Long’s record-breaking goal was an unforgettable moment. The sheer speed and audacity of the goal left me stunned, and I remember jumping out of my seat in celebration. It’s a goal that will be etched in the memories of Saints fans for generations to come.
Ledley King’s Unofficial Record and Premier League Timing Controversy
Before Shane Long’s goal, Ledley King held the unofficial record for the fastest Premier League goal, scoring after 9.82 seconds for Tottenham Hotspur against Bradford City in 2000. However, King’s goal, along with several others on the list of fastest goals, occurred before the Premier League began officially timing goals in the 2006-07 season.
This inconsistency in record-keeping has led to some controversy surrounding the validity of these earlier goals. Some argue that without official timing, it’s impossible to accurately compare them to more recent goals like Long’s. However, others maintain that these goals should still be recognized for their incredible speed and skill, even if the exact times may be subject to debate.
Regardless of the timing controversy, there’s no denying that Ledley King’s goal was a remarkable achievement. The fact that it stood as the fastest goal for nearly two decades is a testament to its significance in Premier League history.
Asmir Begovic: The Goalkeeper’s Freak Long-Distance Goal
While not the fastest goal in terms of time elapsed from kickoff, Asmir Begovic’s goal for Stoke City against Southampton in 2013 deserves a special mention. The Bosnian goalkeeper scored from a staggering 95.66 yards away, the longest-distance goal in Premier League history.
Begovic’s goal came just 13 seconds into the match, as his long clearance from inside his own penalty area bounced over the head of Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc and into the net. The freak goal stunned players and fans alike, and while it may not be the quickest in terms of time, it certainly ranks as one of the most incredible goals in Premier League history.
Asmir Begovic’s goal is a reminder that in football, anything can happen. As a goalkeeper myself, I can only dream of scoring from such a distance. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime achievement that will be remembered for years to come.
Fastest Players to Reach 50 Premier League Goals
While scoring the fastest goal in a single match is an incredible feat, consistently scoring goals at a rapid pace throughout a career is equally impressive. Here are the top five fastest players to reach 50 Premier League goals:
- Andrew Cole – 65 games (Newcastle United, Manchester United)
- Alan Shearer – 66 games (Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United)
- Ruud van Nistelrooy – 68 games (Manchester United)
- Fernando Torres – 72 games (Liverpool)
- Mohamed Salah – 72 games (Liverpool)
In recent years, there has been speculation about whether Erling Haaland, the young Norwegian striker who joined Manchester City in 2022, could break these records. Haaland’s incredible goal-scoring prowess has already seen him break numerous records in his short career, and many believe he has the potential to become one of the greatest strikers in Premier League history.
Premier League Stars Leaving on Free Transfers in 2023
While the focus of this article has been on the fastest goals and quickest players to reach goal-scoring milestones, it’s worth noting that several high-profile Premier League players are set to leave their clubs on free transfers in 2023. Among them are:
- Tosin Adarabioyo (Fulham)
- Thiago Silva (Chelsea)
- Dan Burn (Newcastle United)
- Fred (Manchester United)
- Roberto Firmino (Liverpool)
These players have all made significant contributions to their respective clubs, and their departures will undoubtedly have an impact on the league. As a fan, it’s always bittersweet to see beloved players move on, but it’s also an opportunity for new talent to emerge and make their mark on the Premier League.
In my opinion, the beauty of the Premier League lies in its ability to consistently produce incredible moments like Shane Long’s record-breaking goal. Whether it’s a lightning-fast strike, a long-distance screamer, or a player reaching a goal-scoring milestone, these moments are what keep fans like myself coming back season after season. As we look ahead to the future of the league, I have no doubt that we’ll continue to witness even more remarkable feats from the talented players who grace the pitch.
In conclusion, Shane Long’s 7.69-second goal against Watford will forever be remembered as one of the greatest moments in Premier League history. While there may be some controversy surrounding the timing of earlier goals, there’s no denying the skill, speed, and precision required to score at such a rapid pace. As we celebrate Long’s achievement, let’s also take a moment to appreciate the many other incredible goals and players who have made the Premier League the thrilling and unforgettable competition that it is today.
