Sunderland have made a stunning return to the PL, but last week’s victory in the Wear-Tyne derby was their sweetest moment so far, and the Black Cats were the better side in the early moments against a Brighton team in the middle of a slump after a three-match winless run.
Despite that, the hosts had the first chance after Mats Wieffer’s header forced a save from compatriot Robin Roefs, but Sunderland were soon back on top.
They looked more comfortable in possession, and another Dutch goalkeeper in Bart Verbruggen was soon called into action to keep out Omar Alderete’s tame shot.
Sunderland may have fired in eight shots before the break, but none were particularly threatening, with a lack of attacking quality defining a poor first half at the AMEX.
The Black Cats have come on strong in the second half all season with a league-high 74% of their goals coming after the interval, and they started on the front foot here too as Alderete’s header at the back post looked to be nestling in before Verbruggen made an outstanding reflex save to deny him.
Brighton have also performed better in the second half this season and started to create their own opportunities minutes later, but Yasin Ayari skied his promising effort, much to the home fans’ disappointment.
Both coaches made changes in an attempt to break the deadlock, with Brighton introducing the likes of Kaoru Mitoma and 39-year-old James Milner for his 647th PL appearance.
The former looked dangerous following his introduction, but his final ball continually lacked conviction. Ayari then had the best chance of the game with 10 minutes remaining after latching onto Charalampos Kostoulas’ cutback, but the Swedish international sent his shot over the bar.
In the end, neither side were able to break the deadlock and had to settle for a point apiece - one which will be more positive for Sunderland than Brighton, who are now winless in four. The Black Cats, meanwhile, have lost just once in their last five PL games and have climbed into the top five.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Omar Alderete (Sunderland)
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