James Milner marks Premier League appearance record as Brighton beat Brentford

james milner broke the Premier League appearance record as Brighton beat Brentford 2-0, a result that also featured across a day of mixed top-flight outcomes including Manchester City’s victory over Newcastle that moved them within two points of leaders Arsenal.

Milner sets new mark in Brighton win

The 40-year-old former England midfielder was named in Fabian Hurzeler's starting XI for what the club called his 654th Premier League match, beating the record set by Gareth Barry. Milner described his longevity as driven by "drive and hunger, " saying he still feels he can contribute and that he would celebrate with a "meal with the family. "

His start at Brentford was his first Premier League start since 30 December at West Ham. The performance helped produce Brighton’s first win in six and came in his first start in eight games, with Hurzeler calling him "a role model on and off the pitch" and adding: "He was the leader, he communicated, he has a good understanding of the game, he knows his game, he is reliable. He waited long for this moment and we are happy for him. "

James Milner's record and reaction

Milner made his Premier League debut on November 10, 2002, as a 16-year-old for Leeds, and has since played for Newcastle, Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool in the top flight. He had equalled the record in the game at Aston Villa — a club he represented from 2008 to 2010 — on 11 February.

Milner reflected on the changes in the game since his debut, noting the first tackle was "free" when he came through as a winger and listing managers he has played under by name: Terry Venables, Sir Bobby Robson, Huzerlers, Jurgen Klopps, Roberto di Zerbis. A veteran of 23 seasons across six clubs in the top flight, Milner is also a three-time Premier League champion, a Champions League winner, and a world champion who was part of a very successful Liverpool side under Jurgen Klopp.

Weekend round-up: City, Chelsea and more

Manchester City beat Newcastle to move within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal. In that game, Nico O'Reilly scored twice, either side of a Lewis Hall equaliser, and Pep Guardiola described the result as "Massive [result]" while praising his team’s performance. Guardiola told TNT Sports that "70% of the players have never been in that situation [close title race], and I don't play. So we have to live it, " and added that City will "rest three days, we need it, and then we play Leeds. "

Guardiola also told Match of the Day: "We saw today until the end of the season this is how we need to play. We missed the last pass. Erling [Haaland] today - without him it would not be possible. " He commented on Newcastle's strength, saying: "In Champions League [on Wednesday] it was 5-0 at half-time, the physicality and pace they have since Saudi Arabia took over the club, the way they play is so difficult. "

Chelsea, other results and commentary

Chelsea were held 1-1 by Burnley after blowing another lead at Stamford Bridge, a result that prompted criticism that "this Chelsea team isn't ready to challenge. " The game saw home fans chanting "Chelsea, champions" before the setback. Other top-flight results recorded in the same coverage were Aston Villa 1-1 Leeds and West Ham 0-0 Bournemouth.

Joleon Lescott, former Manchester City defender on TNT Sports, reflected on opportunities for young players, saying: "I think as a young player you want to play and you'll say yes, I'll play anywhere. But when you're giving the opportunity in such an incredible team at such a vital stage of the season you're given the opportunity to play in your best position because the manager trusts you to influence the game like he has done. "

What comes next

Arsenal play north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday. Manchester City will have three days' rest before they face Leeds, per Guardiola's comments. Live text coverage said it will return for four more important Premier League games following this set of results.

Milner said he still feels he can contribute and will mark the record with family; Brighton and their manager have already framed the moment as reward for his patience and leadership.