Table of Contents
- Milner Makes History
- The Unique Assist
- Milner's Career Highlights
- Kostoulas' First Goal
- Match Outcome
BRIGHTON star James Milner made history against Manchester United by breaking a unique Premier League record.
The 39-year-old came on as a second-half substitute, replacing Carlos Baleba in the 59th minute on Saturday at Old Trafford.
Brighton star James Milner made Premier League history against Manchester UnitedCredit: Action Plus/Shutterstock
Milner provided an assist to someone who wasn’t born when he made their Premier League debutCredit: AFP via Getty Images
In the second minute of stoppage time, he assisted to make the score 3-2, bringing the trailing visitors back into the game.
The former England international delivered a precise corner kick from the right, finding his fellow substitute at the near post.
Kostoulas, 18, connected with the ball using a powerful header, giving goalkeeper Senne Lammens no chance as it hit the back of the net.
Milner has recorded a total of 136 assists throughout his illustrious 23-year career across all competitions.
However, even the hero likely didn’t realize that his most recent assist might be the most significant.
This is because the ex-star’s cross at Manchester United marked the first time in Premier League history that a player provided an assist to someone who wasn’t born when the former made their Premier debut.
Milner made his debut in the English top flight on November 10, 2002, for Leeds against West Ham when he was just 16 years old.
This was five years before the teenage sensation Kostoulas was born in Greece on May 30.
Milner registered his 645th appearance at Old Trafford, contributing a total of 56 goals and 87 assists throughout his career.
This was also Kostoulas’ first senior goal for Brighton following his £34 million transfer last summer from Olympiacos.
The versatile forward has made a total of four appearances with Fabian Hurzeler’s team across all competitions this season.
Nevertheless, Milner and Kostoulas’ historic contribution couldn’t secure a result for Brighton, as a late strike by Bryan Mbeumo sealed the game.
Milner set up Kostoulas, who was born five years after the former’s Premier debutCredit: EPA
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did James Milner break?
James Milner became the first player in Premier League history to provide an assist to someone who wasn’t born when he made his league debut.
When did James Milner make his Premier League debut?
James Milner made his Premier League debut on November 10, 2002, for Leeds United against West Ham.
Who is Kostoulas?
Kostoulas is an 18-year-old forward who recently joined Brighton from Olympiacos for £34 million and scored his first senior goal during the match against Manchester United.
