Brighton and Wolves Settle for a Goalless Draw: Missed Opportunities for Mathues Cunha and Joao Pedro as Both Teams Hold Mid-Table Positions in the Premier League

Brighton experienced their first home goalless match of the season as Wolves secured a hard-fought 0-0 draw at Amex Stadium. Despite dominating possession, the Seagulls struggled to create clear-cut chances, with Facundo Buonanotte‘s awkward header being the closest to a breakthrough in the uneventful first half.

Brighton lacked bite at times, but they nearly took the lead in the 53rd minute when Max Kilman unintentionally directed a cross against his own post. In the second half, Wolves became more threatening on the counter-attack, with Matheus Cunha missing their best opportunity by firing over on the second attempt.

Gary O’Neil’s team defended exceptionally well and had several promising late breaks, but Cunha missed from a tight angle, and Pedro Neto, showing energy after returning from an injury sustained in October, had several unsuccessful runs.

Real-time Football scores and highlights.

As a result of the draw, Brighton moves up to the seventh position, surpassing Manchester United on goal difference. Wolves are now three points behind in 11th place. Brighton’s attention will shift to an FA Cup fourth-round match against Sheffield United on Saturday, while Wolves are set to visit West Brom in the same competition on Sunday.

DISCUSSION POINT – WOLVES IMPRESS ON A NIGHT WHEN THE SEAGULLS STRUGGLED TO FIND THE TARGET

Brighton’s streak of scoring in 22 consecutive home matches across all competitions came to an end as the visiting defense limited their chances throughout the game. While the match may not be remembered as an exciting contest, Gary O’Neil is likely the more satisfied manager, despite the Seagulls achieving a new club record of going unbeaten in nine consecutive top-flight home games.

Wolves displayed hard work and defensive solidity, growing into a greater threat as the match progressed. The return of Neto provided a significant boost, and on another occasion, he might have recorded an assist, but his teammates failed to capitalize on some promising situations he created.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Craig Dawson (Wolves). Although Neto showcased an entertaining and menacing performance at times, this Wolves’ point was built on resolute defense, and Dawson exemplified the determination to block, intercept, and protect their goal.

PLAYER RATINGS

Gross: 7, Gilmour: 7, Milner: 7, Buonanotte: 6, Welbeck: 6, Pedro: 6. Subs: Ferguson: 6, Lamptey: 6, Webster: 6, Lallana: 6, Baker-Boaitey: n/a.

WOLVES: Sa: 6, Kilman: 7, Dawson: 8*, Toti: 8, Semedo: 8, Doyle: 8, Lemina: 7, Doherty: 7, Sarabia: 6, Cunha: 6, Neto: 8. Subs: Bellegarde: 6, Chirewa: n/a.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

• 12’: BRIGHTON CHANCE! Estupinan delivers a dangerous corner into the box. Welbeck flicks it on, but Buonanotte fails to convert at the far post, and Tommy Doyle clears off the line.
• 46’: WOLVES CHANCE! Cunha shoots over on the second attempt after Steele blocks his initial shot from Neto’s dynamic run and pass.
• 53’: BRIGHTON CHANCE! Hinshelwood leads a break down the right, delivering a low cut-back that Kilman slides against his own post! A fortunate escape for Wolves.
• 79’: WOLVES CHANCE! Cunha shoots well wide from a tight angle on the right wing after chasing Neto’s pass and maneuvering the ball around keeper Steele, who had ventured far out of his area.
• 81’: WOLVES CHANCE! Steele makes a superb save to deny Lemina’s effort after the visitors swiftly broke on the counter once again.

Important Stats