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Football London
Football London
Sport
Aaron Catterson-Reid

Where Arsenal vs Bournemouth ranks in Premier League's quickest goals amid Arsene Wenger 'curse'

Arsenal got off to the worst possible start during their Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Cherries took the lead at the Emirates Stadium after just 9.11 seconds, with central midfielder Phillip Billing finishing past goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from close range. Billing's goal ranks as the second-fastest goal in Premier League history.

Former Southampton frontman Shane Long still leads the way with his goal back in 2019 hitting the back of the net after just 7.69 seconds. Ex-Tottenham Hotspur defender Ledley King, Newcastle icon Alan Shearer and former Spurs playmaker Christian Eriksen rank third, fourth and five respectively, slightly slower than Billing managed.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta admits he didn't talk to William Saliba for week as Arsenal contract decision nears

It was a disappointing start for the Gunners, who put out a starting XI without a player that had played for legendary Arsene Wenger, for the first time since January 22 1986. Granit Xhaka, who played under Wenger between 2016 and 2018, is a mainstay in Mikel Arteta's side, although he was rested for Saturday's match.

Xhaka had started all of the north Londoners' first 25 Premier League fixtures, enjoying an extremely productive season to help his team up to first in the league standings.

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