Milner reaches milestone but Brighton’s misery goes on after late Villa strike

James Milner made history by equalling his former teammate Gareth Barry’s Premier League appearance record. He entered after 22 minutes for Carlos Baleba and received a warm reception for his 653rd top‑flight appearance. Tyrone Mings’s header, deflected in off Jack Hinshelwood with four minutes of the 90 to play, was sufficient to defeat Brighton and extend their miserable run.

Unai Emery hardly reacted when the goal went in, but he welcomed the win and the club reaching the 50‑point mark with 12 games remaining. Brighton had looked more likely earlier, Ferdi Kadioglu smashing an effort against the crossbar and Milner testing Emi Martínez with a curled shot.

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