Brighton and Hove Albion’s goalless draw with Sunderland extended a winless run to four matches and stalled their push for Europe. The hosts slipped to ninth in the Premier League table after struggling
to create clear chances, failing to score at home for the first time since April despite long spells of possession.
Sunderland, promoted this season, showed strong organisation and looked dangerous on the break, forcing key saves from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. The result continued a highly efficient campaign for Regis Le Bris’ team, who have already collected more points than any other promoted side across the last two Premier League seasons.
Fabian Hurzeler accepted frustration inside the Brighton camp but felt the 0-0 outcome reflected Sunderland’s level. Hurzeler said his players needed to recognise the quality of the opposition and the openings they created, especially after half-time, despite a poor spectacle before the break and increasingly anxious home support.
He 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. "
Brighton entered the match without Lewis Dunk, Jan Paul van Hecke and Danny Welbeck, three regular starters in key positions. However, Hurzeler refused to lean on absences as an explanation for dropped points, stressing that the remaining squad still carried enough depth and technical level to take three points.
When asked about injuries, the Austrian said: "Its no excuse. Of course, these players are important enough, but we still have a strong squad. " Brighton largely relied on long‑range efforts, rarely testing Sunderland inside the penalty area, and never found consistent rhythm in the final third.
Fabian's thoughts following #BHASUN. pic.twitter.com/Y5UQabbnQ6Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) December 20, 2025
Brighton vs Sunderland Premier League draw highlights Black Cats’ progress
Regis Le Bris felt Sunderland’s performance merited more than a single point after creating the better first‑half opportunities. Omar Alderete forced a strong stop from Verbruggen, while Romaine Mundle also drew a save, underlining Sunderland’s threat on transitions against a Brighton side that controlled territory but lacked penetration.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Le Bris pointed to the mindset inside the squad after missing chances to win. He told BBC Sport: "The atmosphere in the dressing room was a bit disappointed [that we didn't win], which was a good sign for the future. " That reaction supported Sunderland’s growing confidence at Premier League level.
Sunderland’s defensive record also stood out from the contest. The Black Cats have now kept six clean sheets in 17 Premier League fixtures this season, matching the total they achieved across their previous top‑flight campaign in 2016-17. Their compact structure at Brighton limited clear opportunities despite sustained home pressure in the second half.
For Brighton, the draw highlighted both resilience and attacking concerns as European ambitions slowed before the turn of the year. The team remained within reach of the continental places but needed to convert possession into goals more regularly, especially at home, where recent results against opponents like Sunderland had begun to restrict momentum.
