Sunderland's remarkable return to the Premier League shows no sign of slowing down after they secured a valuable point in a goalless stalemate away at Brighton & Hove Albion. The result, played on Saturday 20 December 2025, extends the Black Cats' impressive start to life back in the top flight.
A Tale of Missed Chances at the Amex
The match's defining moment arrived just seconds after the restart. Sunderland defender Omar Alderete powered a header from an Enzo Le Fee cross towards goal, only to see Brighton's goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen produce a superb save to push the ball onto the crossbar. It was the closest either side came to breaking the deadlock in a contest that often lacked quality in the final third.
Brighton, now winless in four matches, struggled for creativity despite their home advantage. Their best opportunities fell to midfielder Yasin Ayari, who blazed one effort over the bar when unmarked and later fired wide from the edge of the box. His frustration was compounded late on when his powerful drive was well saved by Sunderland's alert keeper, Robin Roefs.
Promotion Momentum Fuels Black Cats' Resilience
Sunderland arrived on the south coast buoyed by last weekend's memorable 1-0 Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle United. Manager Regis Le Bris had to reshuffle his pack due to Africa Cup of Nations call-ups, with winger Simon Adingra facing his former club. The team's defensive resolve, however, remained intact, earning a clean sheet against an Albion side that made four changes following a 2-0 loss at Liverpool.
The point means Sunderland have now taken 27 points from their opening 17 Premier League games this season. More importantly, it keeps them three points clear of Brighton in the table as they prepare to end a memorable 2025 with a home fixture against Leeds United next weekend.
Frustration Boils Over for Winless Seagulls
The full-time whistle was met with a smattering of boos from the home support, reflecting Brighton's disappointing return of just two points from their four matches in December. Stand-in captain Georginio Rutter tried his luck from distance in added time, but his shot was comfortably gathered by Roefs.
In a late attempt to force a winner, Brighton boss brought on Tommy Watson—the man who scored Sunderland's winner in last season's Championship play-off final—for the final three minutes. It was not enough to prevent the first-ever top-flight meeting between these two clubs from ending in a forgettable, yet for Sunderland, highly satisfactory draw.
