Southampton's Shane Long scores fastest goal in EPL history

Long's record-breaking goal came immediately after the kick-off when he blocked a clearance from Watford defender Craig Cathcart, allowing the Ireland international to bag the record.

London: Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history as he netted after just 7.69 seconds from the start in his side's 1-1 draw at Watford.

Long's record-breaking goal came immediately after the kick-off when he blocked a clearance from Watford defender Craig Cathcart, allowing the Ireland international to bag the record.

The 32-year-old surpassed the previous fastest Premier League goal, scored by Tottenham defender Ledley King in 9.9 seconds against Bradford in December 2000.Coincidently, King was watching Tottenham's game against Brighton on Tuesday when he discovered that his 19-year record had been broken.

Last year, Christian Eriksen scored after 10.54 seconds for Tottenham against Manchester United.

File image: Twitter

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.