Phillip Billing stunned Premier League leaders Arsenal when he scored after 9.11 seconds for Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

It ranked as the second-fastest goal at the start of a game in Premier League history, beaten only by Shane Long's effort after 7.69 seconds for Southampton against Watford in April 2019.

Here, we take a closer look at the five fastest goals ever scored in the Premier League, as recorded by Opta.

Shane Long: Watford v Southampton, April 2019 – 7.69 seconds

There appeared to be little danger when Craig Cathcart looked to play a long ball downfield from Roberto Pereyra's kick-off, but Long had other ideas. His block fell fortuitously into his path, but there was nothing lucky about the glorious flick over the onrushing Ben Foster.

What a moment! #SaintsFC 's @ShaneLong7 celebrates the fastest goal in #PL history!   pic.twitter.com/M4fpU1sIcj

Phillip Billing, Arsenal v Bournemouth, March 2023, 9.11 seconds

Sleepy Arsenal let Bournemouth get straight on the attack, and Dango Ouattara's cross from the right took a slight touch off Gabriel Magalhaes and ran into the path of Billing, who fired past Aaron Ramsdale from close range.

Ledley King: Bradford City v Tottenham, December 2000 – 9.82 seconds

It might have held the title of quickest goal for nearly 19 years, but it certainly was not the prettiest. King powered forward from midfield and dispatched a bobbling effort past Matt Clarke, who might feel he should have done better.

Alan Shearer: Newcastle United v Manchester City, January 2003 – 10.52 seconds

The Premier League's all-time top goalscorer scarcely needed a helping hand to find the back of the net, but he got one from Carlo Nash. The Magpies hero closed down the City goalkeeper's attempted clearance and tapped into an empty net for possibly the easiest finish of his decorated career.

Christian Eriksen: Tottenham v Manchester United, January 2018 – 10.54 seconds

The Denmark international took full advantage of some generous United defending to set Spurs on their way to a 2-0 win. Son Heung-min's attempted shot was blocked into the path of Eriksen, who coolly slotted past a shell-shocked David de Gea, a future United team-mate.

Eddie Howe knows Newcastle United still have work to do to catch Manchester City but believes there is no longer a "real gap" between the teams.

Newcastle were beaten 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, a 14th consecutive Premier League defeat at a stadium where they have never won in the top flight.

But Howe's side – who drew 3-3 with City at home – had their chances, most notably through Callum Wilson and Joelinton, who both miscued in front of goal.

In the eyes of the Newcastle coach, it was a far cry from their visit last May, when City ran out 5-0 winners.

City also beat Newcastle 4-0 at St James' Park less than a month into Howe's tenure in December 2021.

"There are things for us to reflect on, minimal chances for them today," Howe said after goals from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva defeated his side.

"I thought we kept them relatively quiet. They're a world-class team, so they're always going to have chances, but I thought we minimised their threat.

"The general performances have been very good [in defeats to Liverpool, Manchester United and City].

"When we came here last year, the result was difficult and you could see the real gap between the teams. I don't think that's been there this season.

"There is still growth for us to get closer to Manchester City."

Novak Djokovic was waiting on Saturday to learn whether he would get last-minute clearance to enter the United States to play at Indian Wells and Miami, as American tennis chiefs threw support behind the world number one.

US senator Rick Scott claimed Djokovic has been refused permission by the US Department of Homeland Security for a vaccine waiver and urged president Joe Biden to intervene on behalf of the Serbian and "fix this NOW".

Scott was backed by fellow senator Marco Rubio, who wrote on Twitter: "@DjokerNole [Djokovic] shouldn’t be prohibited from playing in the @MiamiOpen because of unconstitutional vaccine mandates.

"@POTUS [Biden] should immediately grant Djokovic a waiver to the vaccine mandate for international travellers."

Djokovic has refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and that stance has cost him places in two grand slam tournaments, being deported before last year's Australian Open and then denied permission to compete at the US Open later in the season.

It has also meant he has had to miss regular tour events in the United States, which demands international travellers are fully vaccinated.

Scott and Rubio are both senators for Florida, and accordingly their focus is on the Miami Open, which runs from March 22 to April 2.

More pressingly for the 35-year-old Djokovic, the Indian Wells tournament begins in the coming week, with main draw singles matches getting under way on Wednesday.

A statement posted on the US Open Twitter page confirmed support for the 22-time grand slam winner.

It read: "Novak Djokovic is one [of] the greatest champions our sport has ever seen.

"The USTA and US Open are hopeful that Novak is successful in his petition to enter the country, and that the fans will be able to see him back in action at Indian Wells and Miami."

Pep Guardiola believes his team cleared an "important" hurdle after a 2-0 win over Newcastle United allowed Manchester City to pile pressure back onto Arsenal.

Goals from Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva saw City come out on top in the first Premier League game of the weekend.

The victory trimmed Arsenal's lead to two points just minutes before the Gunners kicked off against Bournemouth, and there are likely to be plenty more twists and turns to come in the title race, as Guardiola acknowledged.

His post-match comments also seemed to indicate he believes Manchester United are in the mix, too.

"Before the game it was 'bye', now we are 'hello'," Guardiola told BT Sport. "Many things are going to happen.

"Today was an important game, and tomorrow we are going to sit in front of the TV to watch Anfield [Liverpool against United]. That's what we are going to do."

Silva's clinching goal ensured it was ultimately a routine City win, although the champions were less dominant than they had been against Nottingham Forest a fortnight earlier when they conceded a late equaliser.

Guardiola recognised his team had to "suffer" as Newcastle applied pressure in the second half, with Silva delighted to come through a tough test.

"Throughout this season we have had very good moments," Silva told BBC Sport, "and then for one reason or another we've slipped in weird ways in weird games.

"We're trying to get back to the momentum where the team feels good and that it is in a good run, step by step and game by game."

Assessing the title race, the City midfielder added: "I prefer to be first; it's much better [than second].

"Arsenal are in a much better position than us, but we're going to try to control just what we can. If we focus too much on if they will slip or not, we will slip ourselves."

Manchester United have an opportunity to prove their Premier League title pedigree with victory in Sunday's match at Liverpool, according to full-back Luke Shaw.

Erik ten Hag's side trail Arsenal by 11 points ahead of the leaders' match against Bournemouth on Saturday, with the Red Devils also holding a game in hand.

United are still in the hunt for three more trophies this season, having already won the EFL Cup last week, but they realistically cannot afford to drop any points at Anfield.

Having been talked up as outside title challengers, Shaw wants United to lay down a further marker with a first league win away at Liverpool since 2016.

"They're always big, big games," Shaw told Premier League Productions. "I think if we want to be challenging for the title, we need to be going there and winning these games.

"But, of course, on the other hand, we know it's going to be an extremely tough game. It's always a tough game against Liverpool. They're an amazing side."

Victory over Newcastle United at Wembley last weekend ended United's six-year wait for silverware, with that their longest wait for a major trophy since 1983.

It has been an impressive first campaign in charge at Old Trafford for Ten Hag, and Shaw hopes it is the start of a trophy-laden period for the club.

"I think all of us can look at it as a fresh start," said Shaw, who has played in 31 of United's 41 games this term.

"It's been a tough few years here at United and I think it can be a new beginning. 

"It's a new era, it's time to create our own history with a new manager, with new players, new team. It's a great start in the direction we want to go in."

United beat Liverpool 2-1 in August's reverse fixture and are seeking a Premier League double over their fierce rivals for the first time since the 2015-16 campaign.

While United have lost just one of their 20 games since the World Cup break, Liverpool have won only six of their 15 matches over the same period.

Despite the contrasting form of the sides, and United's 10-point advantage on Liverpool, Reds defender Virgil van Dijk is not feeling apprehensive.

"It is a bit of a game on its own," he said. "It's probably getting all the hype that comes with it and we are the ones who are not in good form and they are absolutely in form.

"But we know what we are capable of and we have to be at our best: players, the fans and the whole build-up towards it.

"Everyone has to feel responsible for getting a good result. It's not easy, and sometimes you can get a little bit nervous, but we need everyone to be behind us no matter what."

Erik ten Hag and Jurgen Klopp urged supporters to bring an end to 'tragedy chanting' ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash.

Liverpool host their great rivals Manchester United at Anfield, with the hosts looking to boost their top-four hopes and United keen to build upon last weekend's EFL Cup victory.

In previous years, fixtures between the two sides have bear witness to chants and online abuse based around tragic events in the history of both clubs – Hillsborough, Heysel and Munich.

Looking to bring an end to those incidents, both managers have issued a plea to their supporters.

"The rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool is one of the greatest in world football. We all love the passion of the fans when our teams meet, but there are lines that should not be crossed," Ten Hag said.

"It is unacceptable to use the loss of life — in relation to any tragedy — to score points, and it is time for it to stop. Those responsible tarnish not only the reputation of our clubs but also, importantly, the reputation of themselves, the fans, and our great cities.

"On behalf of myself, our players, and our staff, we ask our fans to focus on supporting the team on Sunday, and representing our club in the right way."

The message was echoed by Klopp, saying: "One of the main reasons why the rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United is so special is that it is so intense and no one should ever want to change this. But at the same time when the rivalry becomes too intense it can go to places that are not good for anyone and we do not need this.

"We do want the noise, we do want the occasion to be partisan and we do want the atmosphere to be electric.

"What we do not want is anything that goes beyond this and this applies especially to the kind of chants that have no place in football. If we can keep the passion and lose the poison it will be so much better for everyone."

United enter Sunday's clash third in the Premier League standings and 10 points ahead of Liverpool.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino committed to avoiding conflict over OneLove armbands at the Women's World Cup, promising to "have a position in place well before" the tournament begins.

A number of national teams at the Qatar 2022 men's World Cup, including Denmark, England and Germany, were planning to support the campaign that promotes inclusivity and opposes all discrimination.

Their captains were intending to wear an armband bearing the OneLove logo, but the teams backed down when FIFA threatened sporting sanctions – expected to be a yellow card for the captains.

The decision to host the World Cup in Qatar attracted criticism due to the country's stance on same-sex relationships, as well as the treatment of migrant workers.

Australia and New Zealand will co-host the women's tournament in July and August of this year, and senior figures from both countries have questioned what they believe is FIFA's intention to have the Visit Saudi tourism authority as a tournament sponsor.

Like Qatar, Saudi Arabia's position on rights for women and LGBTQ+ people has also been called into question by human rights groups. Both countries have been accused by critics of 'sportswashing', the attempt to bolster their international reputations by becoming closely involved with sport at the highest level.

Infantino was asked about the OneLove armbands on Saturday, following a meeting of football law-makers the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

He said: "What I can say on this issue is I think we all went through a learning process there [at the Qatar World Cup].

"What we will try to do better this time is to search and look for dialogue with everyone involved – the captains, the federations, the players generally, FIFA – from all over the world to capture the different sensitivities, to explain, to exchange, and to see what can be done in order to express a position, a value or a feeling that somebody has without hurting anyone else.

"In a positive way, we are looking for a dialogue and we will have a position in place well before the Women's World Cup, I hope so."

Human rights group Amnesty International was among the bodies that poured scorn on FIFA's position in Qatar.

Infantino was also asked about FIFA's progress on reviewing its transgender eligibility policy.

The world governing body said last year it was looking again at its rules and receiving help from experts in the matter, which has been a matter of great contention across sport.

It remains to be seen whether players who identify as female but were born male will be allowed to play at the Women's World Cup.

Infantino said: "There is no update yet, but also there we want to be as clear as possible as soon as possible, not to leave it until the end. On all these topics we need to learn our lesson and be a bit faster."

Manchester City kept up the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal with a 2-0 home victory against Newcastle United.

Arsenal won their game in hand in midweek to increase their advantage at the top to five points, but it was back to two ahead of their game on Saturday as City responded again.

Phil Foden's first-half goal continued his rich vein of form, although City needed a second from substitute Bernardo Silva to make sure.

It was a familiar tale for a fading Newcastle side, firmly in the game but unable to take their chances and suddenly looking a little vulnerable at the back.

City could have been in front in the opening minute when Ilkay Gundogan headed over from a Jack Grealish cross, but the opening goal instead came from the opposite flank after 15 minutes.

Foden darted into the box away from three black and white shirts before his finish benefited from a deflection off the luckless Sven Botman – who similarly aided Marcus Rashford's goal in the EFL Cup final last week.

Newcastle looked to be on the ropes but dug in and created the best chance across the remainder of the first half, only for Callum Wilson to miscue following Kieran Trippier's square header.

With chances few and far between after the break, a triple Newcastle change created a spell of pressure.

But Pep Guardiola responded by introducing Silva, who swiftly put the game to bed with a snapshot from just inside the box after a smart Erling Haaland pass with 23 minutes left.

An excellent late Nick Pope save was required from Foden to cap the scoring at two before attention turned to title rivals Arsenal's clash with Bournemouth.

What does it mean? Same old for City against Newcastle

Newcastle had played out a thrilling 3-3 draw against City at St James' Park back in August, but it has always been a different story at the Etihad Stadium, where the Magpies have never won in the Premier League.

Indeed, this was Newcastle's 14th straight league defeat away to City. That matches the longest sequence of home wins for any one team against another in the competition's history, with Everton having won 14 in a row against Fulham at Goodison Park.

Foden finding best form again

In scoring on Saturday, Foden reached 50 Premier League goal involvements (33 goals, 17 assists) and became the youngest player to that mark for City.

At 22 years and 280 days, Foden beat Gabriel Jesus' record by just 10 days – something that would have seemed improbable even a week earlier after a difficult post-World Cup spell.

But with a goal and an assist against Bournemouth before this goal (following two in the FA Cup in midweek), the England man is firmly back on track.

Howe selection hurts his side

Eddie Howe spoke ahead of this match of the need for Newcastle to "pose a threat", but his team selection certainly did not help them in that regard.

Allan Saint-Maximin started on the bench, having provided two assists and won the free-kick for a third goal in the sides' previous meeting, while the struggling Wilson was preferred to Alexander Isak and duly squandered the Magpies' biggest chance – one of only four team attempts.

What's next?

CIty are at Crystal Palace next Saturday, while Newcastle host Wolves the following day looking for a first win since January.

Tiger Woods will not take part in The Players Championship next week after failing to enter the tournament before Friday's deadline.

The 82-time PGA Tour winner finished tied for 45th at the Genesis Invitational in February, with that his first appearance since The Open last July.

However, after competing in his first standard PGA Tour event since October 2020, Woods confirmed he will mainly focus on being ready for this year's four majors.

That means skipping the PGA Tour's flagship tournament, which gets under way on Thursday at TPC Sawgrass, with Woods not part of the 144-player field announced on Friday.

The list includes 43 of the world's top-50 players, including top three Jon Rahm, Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy.

Woods, who continues to be hampered by mobility issues caused in a career-threatening car accident in February 2021, had been eligible due to winning The Masters in 2019.

The two-time Players Championship winner is expected to next be in action at The Masters in early April.

Xavi described Barcelona as "the most difficult club in the world" after his team came in for criticism even after beating Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Copa del Rey semi-final win by Barcelona on Thursday handed Xavi's side a 1-0 advantage to take into the second leg, with Madrid unable to manage a shot on target.

Now LaLiga leaders Barcelona face Valencia on Sunday, when they will have a chance to, perhaps only briefly, go 10 points clear of second-placed Madrid.

Barcelona had only 35 per cent of possession against Madrid but did enough, with Eder Militao's own goal decisive. It was their lowest share of possession in any game since the 2013-14 season.

"I see that there has been a stir," Xavi said. "Barca is the most difficult club in the world. You win 1-0 in Madrid, and it is not enough. The style is discussed. If it had been the other way around it would be a national holiday.

"Madrid are Champions League and LaLiga champions. When they squeeze you, it's very difficult. Talking about possession when they go man to man is absurd.

"We weren't good with the ball, we have to improve, but without the ball we were extraordinary. We don't want 36 per cent possession, but this is football and there is a rival.

"There is always noise at Barca. We have to manage the noise. We did a lot of things well and there are others to improve. There are two titles at stake, and this is the moment of truth."

According to Xavi, the fact Barcelona only have two titles to go for could be helpful, after their elimination from the Europa League by Manchester United.

Madrid are also still hunting a Champions League title defence, with one foot in the quarter-finals after battering Liverpool 5-2 at Anfield in the first leg of their last-16 tie.

"We will have more time, but we would like to be alive in Europe," Xavi said. "We will have more time to rest and recover better, that is a certain advantage."

Head coach Xavi will be without several important players on Sunday, with midfielder Pedri and striker Robert Lewandowski among them, both sidelined by hamstring injuries, while Gavi is suspended.

Barcelona have won 87 per cent of their LaLiga games when Pedri has played (G31 W27 D3 L1) during Xavi's time at the helm, but that dips to just 50 per cent when he has been absent (G18 W9 D4 L5).

Pedri also missed last weekend's 1-0 loss to Almeria, which was just a second league loss of the campaign for Barcelona, who have not lost successive games in LaLiga since October 2021, when Ronald Koeman was boss.

Barcelona play in the afternoon in Spain on Sunday, with Madrid not in action against Real Betis until the evening.

A win for Barcelona would be a fifth in a row against Valencia on league duty, matching their longest streak of victories against Los Che, achieved twice before.

"It's a golden opportunity to get 10 points ahead, waiting for what Madrid do," Xavi said. "We failed against Almeria, and we can't make any more mistakes."

Another man they must cope without at pitch level is Xavi himself, as the coach serves a one-match touchline ban for an accumulation of yellow cards.

"I suppose I'll be in a box, where the game and the spaces can be seen better," said Xavi. "It doesn't change anything. The only thing is that I won't be able to be on the bench."

Carlo Ancelotti is not concerned by Real Madrid's struggles in front of goal and is confident Karim Benzema will soon get back to scoring ways.

Madrid failed to register a single shot on target in Thursday's 1-0 Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg loss to Barcelona – the first time that has happened in a home game since 2010.

Los Blancos managed seven attempts on target in their most recent LaLiga outing, but they found the net from just one of those in a 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid.

Benzema played a full part in both games without scoring, but his mini drought was preceded by a two-goal showing in Madrid's stunning 5-2 Champions League win at Liverpool.

The former France international has 18 goals in 26 appearances this season, and Ancelotti defended Benzema's displays ahead of facing Real Betis.

"It's not possible to be 'at the top' in every game," Ancelotti said at Saturday's pre-match press conference. "Karim doesn't worry me because I see him in good shape.

"He's in a good physical condition, certainly better than in the first part of the season. At the offensive level, collectively, we are very good.

"We are the team with the most goals in the league. Benzema has failed at some specific moments, nothing more. But there is no 'offensive problem'. We scored five at Anfield."

Vinicius Junior was fouled a game-high five times against Barca and has now been fouled 130 times this term – 32 times more than any player across Europe's top five leagues.

The Brazil winger reacted angrily to a couple of challenges, but Ancelotti is not concerned about the 22-year-old being sent off for retaliating.

"It doesn't worry me at all," Ancelotti said. "The important thing here is that Vinicius doesn't lose the love of playing. 

"In recent games they have defended against him very well, that's why it has cost him at times."

Madrid are aiming to avoid going three games without a win in all competitions for the first time this season when they face Betis.

Ancelotti's side, who trail leaders Barcelona by seven points, have won five of their past six visits to Betis in LaLiga.

"We enter the game in good shape and we are recovering players," Ancelotti said. "We know Sunday's game will be difficult against a great team who play attractive football.

"There is no margin for error. We will have to give everything to get the win."

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar were a joy to play alongside but Pablo Sarabia nevertheless wanted to leave Paris Saint-Germain.

Sarabia swapped hopes of a Ligue 1 title and push for Champions League glory with PSG for a relegation battle in the Premier League with Wolves in January.

The Spain international reunited with Julen Lopetegui, who he had previously worked under in La Roja's under-21s team.

Lopetegui has lifted Wolves off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone, though ahead of Saturday's meeting with Tottenham they have failed to win their last three games.

Sarabia is enjoying life in England, however, despite no longer playing alongside three of the world's best players.

In an interview with The Telegraph, the 30-year-old said: "It was amazing to play with Messi, Mbappe and Neymar.

"It was a very good experience, but for me the most crucial thing is to feel important in the team."

Sarabia also suggested the unity at Wolves is greater than that of PSG, adding: "I prefer to play in another team to feel that unity, to be part of it, to be a member of the team and of a family, rather than just an addition of individuals.

"I was not happy not to play. It's very difficult to play considering the level of PSG players, so I made the decision to come here. In my career I have been through a lot of difficult moments, but now I want to enjoy it.

"I feel that at this moment, I'm in the prime of my career."

Sarabia has scored once in six league appearances for Wolves, with five of those coming as starts.

He started only three Ligue 1 games for PSG this term prior to his January transfer, having spent last season on loan at Sporting CP, where he netted 21 goals.