The Premier League clash between Brighton and Wolves didn’t lack for goalmouth action, or some sideline spice, but in the end it finished goalless as the two sides consolidated their respective positions in mid-table. Joao Pedro was perhaps the biggest culprits in terms of spurned opportunities for Brighton, as Roberto De Zerbi’s men were forced to settle for a point at The Amex.
Brighton failed to score at home for the first time this season as Wolves secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Amex Stadium.
The Seagulls dominated possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances with Facundo Buonanotte’s awkward header the closest they came to a breakthrough in a low-key first period.
Brighton were somewhat toothless at times but almost snatched the lead on 53 minutes when Max Kilman bundled a cross against his own post.
Wolves grew as a threat on the counter-attack in the second half, with Matheus Cunha firing their best opportunity over at the second attempt.
Gary O’Neil’s team defended superbly throughout and came close to winning it with a series of good late breaks.
However, Cunha fluffed his lines from a tight angle while the lively Pedro Neto, starting for the first time since recovering from an injury sustained in October, saw a raft of mazy runs come to nothing.
The result sees Brighton nudge up to seventh spot, above Manchester United on goal difference.
Wolves are three points further back in 11th place.
Brighton will now switch focus to an FA Cup fourth-round encounter at Sheffield United on Saturday. Wolves visit West Brom in the same competition on Sunday.
WOLVES IMPRESS ON NIGHT WHERE SEAGULLS GOT SHOT-SHY
Brighton’s run of scoring in 22 consecutive home matches across all competitions came to an end with the visiting rearguard restricting to them limited chances throughout.
It wasn’t a contest that will live long in the memory but it’s clear Gary O’Neil will be the happier of the two manages despite the Seagulls setting a new club record for notching up a ninth top-flight home game unbeaten.
Wolves were hard-working and solid and as the match wore on, they became the greater threat too. The return of Neto is a huge boost and on another day he would have chalked up an assist, but his teammates failed to make the most of some of the good situations he created
PLAYER OF THE MATCH
Craig Dawson (Wolves). Neto is a joy to watch and was a real menace at times, but this Wolves point was built upon staunch defence and Dawson epitomised the hunger to block, intercept and protect their goal.
