Brighton and Sunderland ended their match in a stalemate, with neither team able to find the back of the net, showcasing the balance in their competitive abilities.

Sunderland, upholding their impressive form this season, traveled south and took control of the game during the first half, putting pressure on the home team.

In response, Brighton came alive in the second half, but despite their efforts, they were unable to break through the robust defenses of Regis Le Bris’ team, who were still buoyed by their spirited derby win over Newcastle the previous weekend.

In a fixture which said everything to the high standards that Sunderland have set this season, the Black Cats made the long journey south and dominated the hosts for the first half

Brighton’s December Struggles Continue

Although the festive season brings joy to many, Brighton supporters might feel less enthusiastic as December approaches.

The Seagulls are enduring the longest ongoing winless streak in December within the top division, having last secured a December victory two years ago with a 4-2 win against Tottenham at the Amex Stadium.

And it seems to be the same old story again this season. Brighton were only two points off third place heading into December, but that gap has now nearly trebled after they have managed to pick up just two points their last four games.

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler said: ‘We are frustrated, but we have to understand that Sunderland were a good side today, they played well, and it is not a surprise that they are where they are in the table.

‘We have to realise that there are big opportunities in the game. The first half was not great to watch, and in the second half, there were enough chances to win the game.

‘Overall, during this period, we want to be successful, so we try to keep pushing to get back to winning ways.’ 

Brighton were only two points off third place heading into December, but that gap has now nearly trebled after they have managed to pick up just two points their last four games

Sunderland show bravery amid AFCON losses

One of the biggest question marks hanging over Sunderland’s heads going into this run of fixtures was always going to be about their ability to cope without their six Africa Cup of Nations absentees. 

This is twice as many lost to the competition in Morocco as any other Premier League side and their importance underlined by how four of the six – Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traore and Chemsdine Talbi – started at the Stadium of Light for the derby triumph last weekend.

And how they will intend to respond to their absences was well-answered on Saturday afternoon. Sunderland delivered a solid, defensively compact and organised performance at a difficult ground to travel to.

It was apparent they have the squad depth to fill in those positions without too much trouble, although an injury may quickly change that narrative.

Regis Le Bris said: ‘We won 26 points before the AFCON which is a big achievement and now it’s really clear that we will be a bit less composed because we have less players. 

‘The players who haven’t played so far need time to step up. We trust the mindset and the quality but you can’t switch on and be at the level just because we give them opportunities but today they showed that they were consistent.’

One of the biggest question marks hanging over Sunderland’s heads going into this run of fixtures was always going to be about their ability to cope without their six AFCON absentees

Brighton’s blunt attack raises concern

Three matches have now passed with Brighton scoring just once – a controversial equaliser against West Ham – and the alarm bells are beginning to sound.

Danny Welbeck’s seven Premier League goals this season already represent the best return of his career, yet the Seagulls are looking increasingly short of ideas without the 35-year-old.

Brighton’s second-highest scorer is the absent Jan Paul van Hecke, who withdrew through illness. The centre-back has three goals, while only two other players have managed more than one.

The hosts struggled to fashion clear-cut chances, with their best opportunity coming from a neat cutback by Charalampos Kostoulas to Yasin Ayari, who blazed his effort well over the bar – a moment that encapsulated Brighton’s lack of composure throughout the afternoon. 

The burden on Welbeck is becoming ever more apparent, and a January move for a striker is starting to feel more like a necessity with each passing game.

Three matches have now passed with Brighton scoring just once – a controversial equaliser against West Ham – and the Seagulls are looking short of ideas with the alarm bells sounding

Tale of two keepers

It was an afternoon for the shot-stoppers, with both Bart Verbruggen and Robin Roefs enjoying commanding performances between the sticks at either end of the pitch.

Roefs was the first on call, making a strong early save to deny Mats Wieffer’s header, and the 22-year-old – who was relatively untroubled for the majority of the game – remained superbly authoritative in the moments he was needed.

Meanwhile Verbruggen was superb, making two really good saves in the second half – first to deny Omar Alderete’s header, and then later to deny Dan Ballard’s shot.

A match both keepers could be proud of, even if it left the fans in the stadium wanting more.