Hugo Ekitike scored the fastest goal of the Premier League season so far before Mo Salah was brought on against Brighton on Saturday.
The French striker found the net just 51 seconds after the match began at Anfield, giving Liverpool an early advantage.
This goal surpasses the previous record held by Newcastle United’s Malick Thiaw, who scored against Everton last month, by four seconds.
Ekitike is one of the few successful summer signings for Liverpool this year, with nine goals across all competitions so far. He scored his tenth with a powerful header from a corner to double his team’s lead after an hour of play.
Ekitike scores fastest goal as Salah returns to Liverpool
Salah, who assisted Ekitike’s second goal, came into the game in the 26th minute due to an injury to Joe Gomez. The defender sustained a knock, prompting Arne Slot to make an early substitution; Dominik Szoboszlai moved to right-back to make room for Salah.
The 33-year-old had not participated in the match against Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday after expressing his frustration about being on the bench for three straight games. Salah felt he was unfairly blamed for the team’s issues and noted his strained relationship with the manager.
He was included in the squad for the Brighton match following important discussions with Slot on Friday and was active in the first half.
There is ongoing speculation about his future, with Saudi Pro League clubs reportedly interested in signing him during the January transfer window. If he departs in winter, this might be his last match for Liverpool before he heads off to represent Egypt at AFCON next week.
Fastest Premier League Goals of the Season So Far
- Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool (vs Brighton) – 51 seconds
- Malick Thiaw, Newcastle (vs Everton) – 55 seconds
- Phil Foden, Man City (vs Leeds) – 59 seconds
- Bryan Mbeumo, Man Utd (vs Liverpool) – 62 seconds
- Neco Williams, Nottingham Forest (vs Burnley) – 98 seconds
Read – Slot says Liverpool ‘cannot accept’ Salah accusations amid standoff
See Also – Power Rankings: Man City return, Bayern back on top
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