James Milner has broken a mind-boggling Premier League record after his Brighton side demolished Everton on the opening weekend of the season.
The veteran midfielder started for the Seagulls in their 3-0 victory over Sean Dyche's men this afternoon, putting in a typically assured performance in a convincing team display.
The 38-year-old joined summer signings Yankuba Minteh and Mats Wieffer in a midfield which ran the show at Goodison Park to give manager Fabian Hurzeler a winning start to life in the Premier League.
And it was Milner who stole the headlines, despite the inclusion of the exciting new faces, as he lined up once again for a top-flight season, having made his debut in 2002 for Leeds United when his boss was just nine years old.
His run-out today means the Englishman has played in 23 consecutive seasons in the Premier League, beating Ryan Giggs' record which spanned from 1992 to 2013.
James Milner has broken a mind-boggling Premier League record after his Brighton side demolished Everton
Milner first appeared in the Premier League in 2002 for Leeds and has since turned out in 23 consecutive seasons
With Liverpool he got his hands on a Premier League title, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup
He also earned himself a top-flight crown, Community Shield and both English club cup competitions with Manchester City
In that time, he has made 635 appearances in the top flight, including 48 for Leeds, 94 for Newcastle, 100 for Aston Villa, 147 for Manchester City and 230 for Liverpool.
He has featured 16 times in the Premier League for Brighton.
The former England international went on to win the competition on three occasions so far, most recently with Liverpool in 2019-20, following two with Manchester City.
In terms of appearances, only Gareth Barry currently leads Milner - on 632 - by 18, meaning that should Milner remain at Brighton he shoud snatch the title from his old team-mate.
Milner has won almost every club trophy available, missing just the Europa League from his cabinet that contains seven different honours.
With Liverpool he got his hands on a Premier League title, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as a Community Shield.
He also earned himself a top-flight crown, Community Shield and both English club cup competitions with Manchester City.
He has amassed 57 goals and has provided 91 assists, his most fruitful campaign coming for Villa in 2009-10 with nine goals and 12 assists.
The veteran midfielder made 94 appearances for Newcastle in the top flight
Milner lit up Villa Park with his displays, particularly on the wing, between 2008 and 2011
Kaoru Mitoma bagged the opening goal of Brighton's 3-0 dismantling of Everton today
The convincing display gave new manager Fabian Hurzeler a winning start to life in the league
Today's convincing win shot Brighton straight up to first place in the league table ahead of a match next weekend at home against Man United.
Goals from Kaoru Mitoma, Danny Welbeck and Simon Adingra sealed an opening day win for the south coast side as Hurzeler tasted victory on Merseyside.
Everton felt aggrieved when Simon Hooper overturned the awarding of a penalty after consulting the pitchside monitor but Brighton were dominant throughout and good value for the three points.