Shane Long scores fastest goal in EPL history; Spurs earn late win

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Southampton striker Shane Long scored the fastest goal in Premier League history on Tuesday after netting just 7.69 seconds into his side's 1-1 draw at Watford, who snatched a point thanks to Andre Gray's late equalizer.

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's a record, is it?" Long told Sky Sports News with a grin after the game.

"Straight from the kick-off, we wanted to put them under pressure. 99 times out of a hundred you block it and it doesn't work, but this time it did."

Long's historic goal, just his fourth this season, didn't prove to be the winner at Vicarage Road after Gray's 90th-minute equalizer for the FA Cup finalists but nonetheless moved them six points from the relegation zone with three matches remaining.

Long celebrates as he writes his name in the record books during Southampton's 1-1 draw at Watford on April 23, 2019. /VCG Photo

"It's nice to have a record like that, but it would have been nicer if it was the winning goal," Long added.

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.

Spurs on course for top four finish

Elsewhere on Tuesday, Christian Eriksen's 88th-minute goal finally broke Brighton and Hove Albion's brave resistance to give Tottenham Hotspur a precious 1-0 victory in their quest for a top-four finish in the Premier League.

Until the Danish playmaker's low shot from just outside the penalty area whizzed across the lush turf and past Mat Ryan, it seemed Brighton had withstood a second-half siege and would escape with a priceless point in their relegation battle.

Tottenham's Christian Eriksen (R2) fires his side to a late win over Brighton on April 23, 2019. /VCG Photo

Chris Hughton's side erected a green wall in front of Tottenham for more or less the entire game, leaving the home fans groaning in frustration – none more so than when Toby Alderweireld's shot with 20 minutes remaining hit the inside of the post and rolled across the face of goal.

In his desperation, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino even sent on outcast Dutch striker Vincent Janssen in the 80th minute for his first action of the season.

But in the end, it was Eriksen who punctured Brighton's armor from Tottenham's 29th goal attempt – 21 of which were from outside the penalty area.

It secured a fourth win from four matches in all competitions for Tottenham inside their magnificent new stadium and more importantly, it lifted them three points above fourth-placed Chelsea with three games to go and four ahead of Arsenal who have played one game less. Tottenham are six clear of Manchester United.

Source(s): AFP