Shane Long wrote himself into the Premier League history books on Tuesday night, scoring the fastest goal in the competition's existence as his Southampton side drew 1-1 with Watford.
"It’s nice. I didn’t find out until after the game and I didn’t know what the record was before," the Irish international told the Southampton club website.
From the kick-off, Long charged down Watford centre-back Craig Cathcart before racing through on goal and lifting the ball over the onrushing Ben Foster.
The goal was clocked at 7.69 seconds, beating the previous record of Ledley King who scored for Spurs against Bradford after 9.82 seconds in December 2000.
Some homework which Long had done on the habits of Foster aided him in scoring the goal.
In every game you want to show your intent from the first kick and put them under pressure.
Mainly it’s just to force that long ball so they’re not quite set. Luckily I blocked it, it dropped nicely and I took a touch across Craig.
I know Ben from West Brom and he’s an amazing keeper. He spreads himself so well and from watching clips I knew the dinked finish was my best option of scoring. Thankfully it came off.
Records like that are nice to have I suppose, but it’s just disappointing that it wasn’t a goal to get three points because I thought we deserved it.
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, quoted by the Southern Daily Echo, said it will not be easy to break Long's record.
Straight to the top ⚡️
Here's who Shane Long surpassed with his record-breaking goal ➡️ https://t.co/X5FTVPxar4 #PL pic.twitter.com/vpRsVvhruw— Premier League (@premierleague) April 23, 2019
"The only chance is to shoot from the middle line. That is the only chance to beat this record because much faster is not possible I think.
"It was fantastic I think.
"It was a very good signal after the game on Saturday where I was really not happy about the first half where were not aggressive enough.
"I think they listened very well, especially Shane Long. He was so quick and so quick attacking.
"After the ball win that is one thing but to score also is another thing."
