Paul Pogba takes an approximate time of 14 seconds to complete his penalty run up. In half the time does Shane Long score a goal. Oh, yes! Shane Long of Southampton has created history by netting a ball in the 7th second of game.
Shane Long scored the goal after obstructing a long pass attempted by Craig Cathcart soon after the Hornets kicked off. Shane Long lifted the ball over the incoming Ben Foster to score the goal for Southampton in 7.69 seconds, to be precise.
“The manager said to make a quick start and put them under pressure,” Long said. “It’s a nice record to have.”
Shane Long broke the 19 year old deadlock of 9.82 seconds that was scored by Tottenham defender Ledley King in 2000 against Bratford. This was only the fifth appearance of this season for Long and albeit little performances this was his fourth goal.
“Ninety-nine times out of 100 you don’t block them clearances, but I did and took a touch across him,” he said.
“Ben is an amazing keeper, he spreads himself so well so I knew before the game that the dink was a good finish against him – and it came off.
“Every game we try to force them into a long pass early and show intent from the first ball, I blocked it and it fell nicely.
“But I’m disappointed not to get three points, I think we did enough out there.”
Southampton who could have been clear of the relegation mark if they had won the game which was prevented with a draw, courtesy a late goal of Andre Gray. Southampton still have 3 matches to play and a win against Watford could have relieved them from the tension of being relegated. Nevertheless, what Vicarge Road experienced yesterday was a history made from heaven.
Stat attack!
Every #PL record you need to know ➡️ https://t.co/mhuqsKWcL8 pic.twitter.com/jptEBVFogw
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 24, 2019
