Watford 1-1 Southampton: Long claims piece of Premier League history in draw

Southampton had to settle for a point against Watford on Tuesday evening despite a record-breaking goal from Shane Long.

Long opened the scoring unbelievably after seven seconds to break Ledley King’s record for the fastest Premier League goal ever.

Saints then held out well until the final minute of normal time as Watford’s Andre Gray netted to give his side a 1-1 draw at full-time.

Two changes were made by Ralph Hasenhuttl following the 3-1 defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.

Stuart Armstrong – who impressed as a substitute at St James’ Park – and Shane Long came in for Josh Sims and Danny Ings in attack.

Long would have an unbelievable start to the game as he netted the fastest goal in Premier League history.

The Irishman claimed the accolade when he put Saints ahead amazingly after seven seconds of the contest.

He pressed the Watford kick-off and blocked Craig Cathcart’s clearance before racing through and dinking a superb finish over Ben Foster.

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Although the striker is known for his record of not scoring many for Saints, this goal summed up his style perfectly and his recent purple patch as he netted his third goal in four appearances.

Angus Gunn was called into his first action of the game in the third minute when he denied Andre Gray from close-range, and then Watford’s dangerman Gerard Deulofeu curled a strike wide.

After their lightning quick start to the game, it took the Saints a little while to get going again. However, they then produced some superb football in the first-half and should have increased their lead.

Nathan Redmond hit the post as he received the ball and rounded Ben Foster following more great work from Long, and Ryan Bertrand did the same as he stretched to meet Redmond’s cross at the far post.

As much as the first-half was full of drama, the second period lacked many chances at all as Saints tried to see another important win out to the final whistle.

James Ward-Prowse went closest with a typically accurate free-kick that forced Ben Foster to push away and out for a corner.

But just as Saints thought they were going to hold out for the three points, Watford got their equaliser with just one minute of normal time remaining.

Kiko Femenia’s cross dropped for Gray in the area and he fired home to grab his side a draw.

Saints now sit six points clear of the relegation zone with three games left to play, whilst Watford move up to seventh on 50 points.