Sunderland Draw 0-0 at Brighton Despite Absences

Sunderland earned a valuable point in a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, extending their strong start to life back in the Premier League despite the absence of several key players on international duty.

The match marked the first top-flight meeting between the two clubs since 2005 and unfolded as a tense, low-scoring affair with limited clear chances. Sunderland controlled much of the first half, creating the better opportunities but failing to convert. Defender Omar Alderete came closest to breaking the deadlock early in the second half, heading Enzo Le Fee's cross powerfully toward goal only for Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen to tip it onto the crossbar in a superb reflex save. At the other end, Sunderland keeper Robin Roefs was rarely tested, though he denied Mats Wieffer's early header and later turned away a late effort from Georginio Rutter.

Brighton, seeking to end a four-match winless streak in the league, improved after the break and pressed forward, but Sunderland's organized defense held firm to secure a clean sheet. Yasin Ayari squandered two decent chances for the hosts, blazing over from close range and...