History in numbers: Milner’s journey of 654 steps to immortality

Two days ago, James Milner wrote a new page of Premier League history, becoming the player with the most appearances in England’s top tier with 654 games. Clocking 90 minutes (Carlos Baleba replaced him just before added time) in Brighton’s 2-0 win over Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium, the 40-year-old accomplished an outstanding achievement unlikely to be surpassed in the near future.

However, apart from admiring his immense number of appearances - try counting up to 654 and you’ll realize how hard it is - a thorough look at Milner’s career reveals many more intriguing and mind-blowing facts.

Throughout his 24-year career, he wore the jerseys of six Premier League teams: Leeds United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton. He spent most of his time at Anfield (eight years), which was his most fruitful period, as he won seven trophies with the Reds, including the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

At the same time, he is the only player who has participated in major European competitions with five different EPL clubs.

In his 654 Premier League games, he scored 56 goals. His last one came in the 67th minute of Brighton’s duel against Manchester City - which the Seagulls won 2-1 - when he levelled the score from the spot. It was his 640th EPL match and, at the age of 39 years and 239 days, he became the second-oldest EPL scorer after Teddy Sheringham (40 years and 268 days).

Football world bows to Milner: 40-year-old becomes player with most appearances in EPL history!

Throughout his Premier League career, Milner provided 87 assists. Since the 2009/2010 season, only five players have collected more assists in England’s top flight than him.

Over the past 24 years, he played practically every position on the pitch, except in goal, and still received only three red cards. He picked up the last one in January 2019 as a Liverpool player in a 4-3 victory over Crystal Palace, and the referee who sent him off was Jonathan Moss, his former PE teacher at Westbrook Lane School in the Leeds metropolitan area.

According to some data, around 20% of current Premier League players weren’t born when Milner debuted for Leeds on November 10, 2002.

Since the EPL was introduced in 1992, almost 5,000 players have made at least one appearance in it - Milner played against over 2,300 of them (46%)!

Finally, it is estimated that Milner played approximately 1.8% of all top-flight games in England, ever since it was established in 1888!

What a career. What an achievement. What a legacy.

Hats off, James Milner. You’re officially one and only.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 27

Saturday

Aston Villa - Leeds 1-1 (0-1)

/Abraham 88 - Stach 31/

Brentford - Brighton 0-2 (0-2)

/Gomez 30, Welbeck 45+1/

Chelsea - Burnley 1-1 (1-0)

/Pedro 4 - Flemming 90+3/

West Ham - Bournemouth 0-0

Manchester City - Newcastle 2-1 (2-1)

/O'Reilly 14, 27 - Hall 22/

Sunday

Crystal Palace - Wolverhampton 1-0 (0-0)

/Guessand 90/

Nott. Forest - Liverpool 0-1 (0-0)

/Mac Allister 90+7/

Sunderland - Fulham 1-3 (0-0)

/Le Fee 76 pen - Jimenez 54, 61 pen, Iwobi 85/

Tottenham - Arsenal 1-4 (1-1)

/Kolo Muani 34 - Eze 32, 61, Gyokeres 47, 90+4/

Monday

23.00: (3.80) Everton (3.70) Man.Utd. (2.00)

***odds are subject to change***