Brighton’s difficult run in December showed no sign of easing as they were held to a goalless draw by Sunderland in a low-key Premier League encounter.
In the first top-flight meeting between the two sides, clear chances were at a premium, with neither team able to find the cutting edge required to claim all three points.
Sunderland looked the more threatening before the break, but failed to capitalise on defensive uncertainty from Brighton’s unfamiliar centre-back pairing.
Brian Brobbey and Chris Rigg both had opportunities after Brighton mistakes in possession, while after half-time goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was called into action to deny Omar Alderete’s powerful header.
Verbruggen also reacted sharply to keep out a firm strike from Romaine Mundle as Sunderland continued to carry a threat.
Brighton improved after the interval but struggled to break down a disciplined Sunderland defence, largely settling for efforts from distance.
Despite enjoying more possession, Fabian Hürzeler’s side were unable to turn control into goals.
The result leaves Brighton ninth in the table, their four-game winless run in December seeing them fall nine points behind third-placed Aston Villa after starting the month just two points off the top three.
Sunderland, meanwhile, climb to fifth with an impressive 27 points from 17 matches in their first season back in the Premier League.
December has once again proved problematic for Brighton, who extended a poor festive run that now stretches back to 2023.
Absences played a key role, with Lewis Dunk suspended and Jan Paul van Hecke omitted, forcing Hürzeler to field summer signings Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli in central defence.
Despite a shaky start, the pair settled well, but Brighton lacked a focal point in attack.
Top scorer Danny Welbeck missed out with a back injury, leaving Georginio Rutter to lead the line.
Yasin Ayari came closest to scoring, though the midfielder wasted several promising chances, including a late opening in stoppage time.
With away trips to Arsenal and West Ham still to come this month, Brighton face a tough task to halt their December slump.
Sunderland’s resilience earned them a valuable point, but the impact of Africa Cup of Nations departures was evident.
Five players, including several regular starters, are currently away on international duty, reducing Regis Le Bris’ options during a demanding period.
Despite that, the Black Cats showed organisation and threat in the first half, before fading after the break as Brighton pushed for a winner.
Le Bris will take encouragement from his side’s strong league position, though the coming weeks may test the depth of his squad as the festive schedule continues.
