On 15 August 1992, the Premier League kicked off for the first time, as 22 clubs that had broken away from the old Football League began a new era backed by a five-year, £304 million television deal with Sky.
The first goal in the competition’s history came just five minutes into Sheffield United’s clash with Manchester United at Bramall Lane, when Brian Deane rose to head home a flicked-on long throw from Carl Bradshaw, beating Peter Schmeichel from close range.
Deane added a second-half penalty, and though Mark Hughes pulled one back for the visitors, Sheffield United held on for a 2-1 win over the side that would go on to lift the inaugural title.
Manchester United’s stumble that afternoon proved to be nothing more than a footnote. Alex Ferguson’s side recovered to win the first Premier League title, the club’s first English championship in 26 years, with Teddy Sheringham finishing as the division’s top scorer on 22 goals.
Deane’s goal remains one of English football’s enduring trivia answers, the moment that opened the book on what would become the most-watched league in the world.
Photo: John Sibley / Action Images
