Watch: Shane Long scores fastest goal in Premier League history as he nets for Southampton within eight seconds

Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history on Tuesday night when he netted for Southampton against Watford inside the first eight seconds.

The Republic of Ireland international charged down a clearance from Northern Ireland defender Craig Cathcart and chased the ball through before casually chipping Heurelho Gomes.

The goal officially clocked in at 7.69 seconds – beating Tottenham Hotspur’s Ledley King’s previous record of 9.82 seconds against Bradford City in 2000.

It was the Tipperary man’s third goal in four games for his club as he’s been revitalised under new manager Ralph Hassenhutl, having found the target only once in the previous 12 months.

It wasn’t enough to secure victory for the Saints, however, as Andre Gray smashed home in the final minute to earn the Hornets a share of the points.

The result lifts Southampton six points clear of Cardiff City in the final remaining relegation spot, virtually assuring Premier League football with just three games left to play.

"Ninety-nine times out of a hundred you block it and it doesn't work - it's nice to have a record like that,” Long told Sky Sports afterwards.



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