Brighton and Sunderland played out a goalless draw in a game between two well-matched sides.
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 fought back in the second half but were kept at bay by Regis Le Bris’ resilient side still full of confidence following last weekend’s febrile derby victory against Newcastle.
Daily Mail Sport’s Tara Anson-Walsh was at the Amex Stadium to witness the action…
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 drought drags on
They say this is the most wonderful time of the year, but Brighton fans would be forgiven for feeling slightly apprehensive when the Christmas bells start ringing.
The Seagulls are on the longest ongoing winless run in December in the top-flight, having not beaten a team in the month since a 4-2 victory over Tottenham here at the Amex two years ago.
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 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.
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 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.
