With the Premier League having being suspended for over a month due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is fair to say that football supporters would take viewing any kind of goal right now, whether it be from a scramble in the box or a 30-yard screamer.
However, April 23 marks a time when we can all reminisce about the fastest goals in Premier League history with Shane Long having set a new record a year ago today.
Long's effort for Southampton against Watford beat the previous pacesetter by more than two seconds, an indication that the Republic of Ireland international's strike may never be beaten.
With that in mind, Sports Mole takes a look at the 10 quickest goals since England's top flight reformed in 1992.
10. Asmir Begovic (13.64 seconds)
While Begovic only ranks in 10th position, the former Stoke City man will likely remain in the record books for the fastest goal from a goalkeeper for some time.
Despite the clearance being intended for a Potters forward, the ball caught the wind and bounced over the head of Southampton goalkeeper Artur Boruc, who was left helpless as he watched the ball find the back of the net.
9. James Beattie (13.52 seconds)
During the 2004-05 campaign, most teams found it difficult to score against Chelsea, never mind after just 13.52 seconds. However, courtesy of a Joe Cole mistake, Beattie did just that at Stamford Bridge.
It was a stunning effort, too, with the forward beating Petr Cech with a volley from all of 25 yards. Chelsea still emerged victorious, but Jose Mourinho would have been left stewing over the early lapse in concentration.
8. Kevin Nolan (13.48 seconds)
While Nolan made a name for himself at Newcastle United and West Ham United respectively, he earned those high-profile moves through his early form at Bolton Wanderers.
One of his goals for the Trotters came in 2004 as he netted against neighbours Blackburn Rovers, latching on to a Kevin Davies cross to find the roof of the net in minimal time.
7. Chris Sutton (12.94 seconds)
Sutton and Alan Shearer ran onto each other's flick-ons time and time again during their time at Blackburn, and that was the case against Everton in April 1995.
A long ball was directed by Shearer into his strike-partner's path, who produced a cool finish to give Rovers an extremely early advantage at Goodison Park.
6. Dwight Yorke (12.16 seconds)
Although Yorke won multiple trophies with Manchester United, the forward's quickest goal of his career came during his days at Aston Villa.
In September 1995 against local rivals Coventry City, Yorke made a late run into the penalty area to head an Ian Taylor cross into the net.
5. Mark Viduka (11.9 seconds)
Long balls and flick-ons are a common occurrence when it comes to early goals, and it was no different when Viduka scored for Leeds against Charlton Athletic in March 2001.
Alan Smith played an instrumental part on this occasion, diverting the ball into the path of the Australian who provided the cool first touch and finish.
4. Christian Eriksen (10.54 seconds)
Despite Eriksen sitting in fourth place in this list, there was still time for a Harry Kane knockdown to be helped on by Dele Alli for Eriksen's goal against Manchester United in January 2018.
Although three other players have found the back of the net in less time, it will forever be regarded as the fastest Premier League goal at Wembley Stadium.
3. Alan Shearer (10.52 seconds)
We have already mentioned long balls and flick-ons, but individual mistakes play their part for two of the three fastest goals.
On this occasion in January 2003, Manchester City goalkeeper Carlo Nash slipped when attempting to collect a back-pass, allowing Shearer to net for Newcastle United.
2. Ledley King (9.82 seconds)
Up until Long's effort last year, King had held onto the record for almost two decades having netted for Tottenham Hotspur against Bradford City in December 2000.
While King's strike from distance took a significant deflection, there was no way that the defensive-minded player was not going to claim it.
1. Shane Long (7.69 seconds)
Remarkably, Long's famous goal against Watford came from a Hornets kickoff!
Having closed down a Craig Cathcart clearance, Long clipped the ball over Ben Foster to earn himself a place - potentially on a permanent basis - in history.
🗓 | #OnThisDay last year: Shane Long broke the record for quickest #PL goal scoring in 7.69 seconds against Watford!
— The Saints View (@TheSaintsView) April 23, 2020
Who was at Vicarage Road that night, #SaintsFC fans?😍 pic.twitter.com/Oo1zeeU8Lz
Darren Plant
