Milner equals Premier League record but Villa snatch late win | OneFootball

Aston Villa left it late to edge past Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0 at Villa Park, with Jack Hinshelwood’s unfortunate own goal overshadowing a landmark night for James Milner.

Milner, now 40, was introduced in the first half for his 653rd Premier League appearance, drawing level with Gareth Barry’s all-time record. But the milestone ultimately ended in frustration as Villa snatched the points in the closing stages.

The contest lacked quality for long spells. Villa struggled to find fluency despite enjoying decent spells of possession, with Morgan Rogers’ effort from a tight angle comfortably dealt with by Bart Verbruggen the hosts’ clearest opening before the interval.

Brighton grew into the game after the break and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Emi Martínez produced a superb fingertip save to tip Ferdi Kadioglu’s fierce strike onto the bar. The Seagulls looked the more likely winners as the second half wore on.

However, with four minutes remaining, Tyrone Mings’ flick took a decisive deflection off Hinshelwood and looped beyond Verbruggen to hand Villa a scarcely deserved victory.

The result strengthens Unai Emery’s side in the race for a top-four finish, while Brighton’s poor run continues, with just one win in their last 13 league outings.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

15':

Opportunity wasted. Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa attempted a header from the middle of the penalty area.

17':

Opportunity wasted. Jack Hinshelwood from Brighton and Hove Albion attempted a header from the left side of the penalty area, but it sailed over the bar and to the left. The assist came from a cross by Pascal Groß.

20':

Missed opportunity. Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa attempted a left-footed shot from a challenging angle on the right but sent it wide to the left.

33':

Opportunity wasted. Amadou Onana from Aston Villa took a right-footed shot from over 35 yards out.

48':

Missed opportunity! Kaoru Mitoma from Brighton and Hove Albion took a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area that narrowly missed the target. The assist came from Jack Hinshelwood after a quick counterattack.

49':

Missed opportunity! Amadou Onana from Aston Villa takes a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

63':

Opportunity wasted. Pascal Groß from Brighton and Hove Albion attempted a shot with his right foot from the right side of the six-yard area.

65':

Missed opportunity! Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa attempted a header from the center of the penalty area following a corner kick, but couldn't convert.

70':

Opportunity wasted! Jack Hinshelwood from Brighton and Hove Albion attempted a left-footed shot from the center of the penalty area but couldn't find the target.

85':

Missed opportunity! Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa attempted a header from the center of the penalty area but failed to find the target. The cross was delivered by Ian Maatsen.

Aston Villa takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Brighton and Hove Albion. Tyrone Mings scores with a header from the right side of the six-yard box following a corner kick.

86':

GOAL Brighton & Hove Albion: Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton & Hove Albion) socres an own goal!

90 +5':

Opportunity wasted. Ross Barkley of Aston Villa took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Leon Bailey following a corner kick.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match