At the start of the 2009–10 season, Milner moved into the centre of midfield after the sale of captain Gareth Barry to Manchester City. His goal in a win against Sunderland in December 2009 was later voted as Aston Villa's Goal of the Season. On 28 February 2010, he scored the opening goal in the 2010 League Cup final with a penalty. Villa were eventually beaten 2–1 by Manchester United. Milner ended the season with 12 goals and was named Aston Villa's Supporters' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.
At the start of the 2009–10 season, Milner moved into the centre of midfield after the sale of captain Gareth Barry to Manchester City. His goal in a win against Sunderland in December 2009 was later voted as Aston Villa's Goal of the Season. On 28 February 2010, he scored the opening goal in the 2010 League Cup final with a penalty. Villa were eventually beaten 2–1 by Manchester United Milner ended the season with 12 goals and was named Aston Villa's Supporters' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year.