Brighton and Sunderland were unable to find a breakthrough as they played out a goalless draw at the AMEX Stadium in their first-ever Premier League meeting.

Sunderland’s return to the top flight has been impressive, and while last week’s Wear–Tyne derby victory remains their standout moment so far, the Black Cats started brightly against a Brighton side struggling for form after a three-match winless run. The visitors looked the sharper in the opening stages and enjoyed the better of the early play.

Despite Sunderland’s positive start, it was Brighton who fashioned the first real chance, with Mats Wieffer’s header forcing a save from fellow Dutchman Robin Roefs. Sunderland quickly regained control, however, appearing more assured in possession and pushing forward with intent. Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen was called into action to deny Omar Alderete, though the defender’s effort lacked power.

Sunderland registered eight shots before the interval but failed to seriously trouble the hosts, as a lack of cutting edge summed up a disappointing first half for both sides.

True to form, Sunderland emerged strongly after the break. With a league-high 74% of their goals coming in the second half this season, the Black Cats nearly took the lead when Alderete met a back-post header that seemed destined for the net, only for Verbruggen to produce an outstanding reflex save.

Brighton responded with increased urgency of their own, and Yasin Ayari wasted a promising opportunity when he fired over from a good position, drawing groans from the home crowd. Both managers turned to their benches in search of inspiration, with Brighton introducing Kaoru Mitoma and veteran James Milner, who made his 647th Premier League appearance at the age of 39.

Mitoma added pace and directness but lacked a decisive final pass, while Ayari later squandered the best chance of the match with 10 minutes remaining, sending his effort over the bar after meeting Charalampos Kostoulas’ cutback.

In the end, neither side could break the deadlock and had to settle for a share of the spoils. The result will be more pleasing for Sunderland, who have now lost just once in their last five Premier League matches and move into the top five. Brighton, meanwhile, extended their winless run to four games.