Premier League’s fastest goals: Phillip Billing enters list in second place
Only Shane Long has scored a quicker goal in Premier League history than Billing’s effort against Arsenal on Saturday.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Bournemouth’s Phillip Billing scored the Premier League’s second-fastest goal as his side caught table-topping Arsenal cold at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
The Dane netted after 9.11 seconds, according to the competition’s official data supplier Opta.
Here, the PA news agency looks at the five quickest goals of the Premier League era.
Shane Long, 07.69 seconds
Watford v Southampton – April 23, 2019
Long broke Ledley King’s long-standing record for the fastest Premier League goal – despite opponents Watford having kicked off.
The Republic of Ireland striker showed his predatory instincts to close down Craig Cathcart’s attempted long ball and coolly finish off the chance.
The Hornets would secure a point as Andre Gray’s goal in the last minute earned them a 1-1 draw.
Phillip Billing, 09.11 seconds
Arsenal v Bournemouth, March 4, 2023
A move off the training ground saw five Cherries players line up on the halfway line to the left while the ball was chipped out wide right to Dango Ouattara.
His cross caught the Arsenal defence sleeping and the 6ft 5in Billing ghosted in unnoticed behind Thomas Partey and William Saliba to tap in from six yards.
Ledley King, 09.82 seconds
Bradford v Tottenham – December 9, 2000
King had owned the record for the fastest Premier League goal for almost two decades, with the Tottenham defender’s first goal in professional football earning the England international a place in the record books.
After taking kick-off along with Steffen Freund, King ambled forward and picked up the ball outside the box before seeing his long-range effort deflected past the helpless Matt Clarke.
The game finished 3-3 following a late Benito Carbone equaliser for the hosts.
Alan Shearer, 10.52 seconds
Newcastle v Manchester City – January 18, 2003
Shearer’s prompt strike helped Newcastle win 2-0 at St James’ Park.
The prolific forward sensed a chance to pounce and closed down City goalkeeper Carlo Nash as the ball was worked back to him from kick-off. A heavy touch from Nash allowed Shearer to block and turn home into an open goal.
Christian Eriksen, 10.54 seconds
Tottenham v Manchester United – January 31, 2018
Current United midfielder Eriksen made a quickfire impact against the club during his time at Tottenham.
The Denmark international tucked away at the end of a move which came from kick-off, without a United player touching the ball.
Jan Vertonghen’s raking pass was nodded down by Harry Kane into the path of Dele Alli, who teed up Eriksen to send Wembley into raptures as Spurs eventually ran out 2-0 winners.