Brighton 0-0 Wolves: Matheus Cunha and Joao Pedro spurn chances as both sides consolidate in Premier League mid-table

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.

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.

It wasn’t a contest that will live long in the memory but it’s clear O’Neil will be the happier of the two managers 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 more and more dangerous. 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.

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.

BRIGHTON: Steele 7, Hinshelwood 7, Dunk 7, Van Hecke 7, Estupinan 7, 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.

12’ – BRIGHTON CHANCE! Estupinan whips a dangerous corner into the mix. It's flicked on by Welbeck, but Buonanotte makes a meal of it at the far post and Tommy Doyle hacks off the line.

46’ – WOLVES CHANCE! Cunha fires over at the second attempt after Steele had blocked his first shot from Neto's dangerous run and pass.

53’ – BRIGHTON CHANCE! Hinshelwood leads a break down the right and gallops on to the overlap but his low, cut back is slid against his own post by Kilman! Let off for Wolves.

79' - WOLVES CHANCE! Cunha fires well wide from a tight angle on the right wing after he had raced after Neto's pass and touched the ball around keeper Steele, who had come way out of his area.

81' - WOLVES CHANCE! Steele makes a fine save to beat away Lemina's effort after the visitors broke at speed again.

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