Who scored the first Premier League goal?

Brian Deane scoring past Peter Schmeichel, Sheffield United v Manchester United
(Image credit: PA)

The introduction of the Premier League has helped to transform the nature of top-level football in England.

Standards of fitness and professionalism have risen inexorably, while the financial divide between the richest clubs and the rest has grown ever wider. Since it was launched 29 years ago, the Premier League has become a global phenomenon and the most popular sports competition in the world.

It all started on Saturday 15 August 1992, when the first set of fixtures were played at grounds across the country.

Nine matches took place that day, with Norwich City beating Arsenal 4-2 at Highbury and Crystal Palace sharing a 3-3 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Selhurst Park. But perhaps the most significant and memorable moment of that day came at Bramall Lane, when Brian Deane gave Sheffield United an early lead over Manchester United.

RELATED

Premier League

(Image credit: Getty)

PREMIER LEAGUE Everything you need to know for the 2021/22 season

After five minutes, Carl Bradshaw’s long throw was flicked on at the near post and Deane arrived to head past a scrambling Peter Schmeichel and register the Premier League’s first goal.

The young striker, who would score 19 goals in all competitions that season, then doubled the Blades’ lead from the penalty spot in the second half, after Alan Cork was fouled by Gary Pallister.

Although Mark Hughes managed to halve the deficit just past the hour mark, Dave Bassett’s side were able to hang on for all three points.

Deane would go on to represent Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Leicester City amongst other clubs in a varied career, with a place in the history books forever assured by that headed goal.

Despite losing that day, Sir Alex Ferguson’s side would still go on to win the title that season, setting the tone for what was to come.

Man United became the undisputed powerhouse of the Premier League era, finishing top in seven of the first nine seasons.

FourFourTwo Staff

FourFourTwo was launched in 1994 on the back of a World Cup that England hadn’t even qualified for. It was an act of madness… but it somehow worked out. Our mission is to offer our intelligent, international audience access to the game’s biggest names, insightful analysis... and a bit of a giggle. We unashamedly love this game and we hope that our coverage reflects that.

Read more
Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring for Manchester United against Swansea in November 2016.
Players who scored landmark goals in the Premier League
General view of the Premier League trophy at Stamford Bridge in 2016.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League top three ever in order?
The Preston North End team who won the 1888/89 Football League title
Countries' first league champions
Premier League trophy
Quiz! Can you name every top-flight team since 1945?
Steve Bruce celebrates after scoring the winning goal for Manchester United against Sheffield Wednesday in the Premier League match at Old Trafford, April 1993
Quiz! Can you name all 22 clubs from the very first Premier League season?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
Latest in Stories
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed
Latest in Features
Orlando Pride players raise the trophy during the NWSL Championship game between Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium on November 23, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri.
How to watch NWSL: Live streams, TV information for National Women's Soccer League 2025
Premier League ball
Quiz! Can you name the players to have scored Premier League hat-tricks?
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola holds aloft the Premier League trophy at the Etihad in May 2023.
Quiz! Can you name every Premier League champion... in just 90 seconds?
Barcelona's Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmati receives the Woman Ballon d'Or award during the 2024 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 28, 2024.
Who are the contenders for the Ballon d'Or Féminin?
 Sheila Garcia of Real Madrid CF battle for the ball with Alessia Russo of Arsenal FC during the UEFA Women's Champions League Quarter Finals First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Arsenal FC at Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.
'Over two legs I expected Arsenal to beat Real Madrid in the Champions League, I still think they can despite being 2-0 down,' says former Lioness Izzy Christiansen
Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal with teammates Lamine Yamal and Gavi during the LaLiga match between Sevilla FC and FC Barcelona at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 09, 2025 in Seville, Spain.
Watch Barcelona vs Osasuna: Live streams, TV coverage for La Liga clash