Brighton's disappointing December run continued as they played out a goalless draw against Sunderland in the Premier League.

In the first-ever Premier League meeting between the two teams, both sides lacked attacking quality in a game with few clear-cut chances.

The Black Cats looked the more dangerous in the first half, with Brian Brobbey and Chris Rigg failing to make the most of errors by Brighton's new-look centre-back partnership.

Bart Verbruggen made a superb save after the interval to stop Omar Alderete from breaking the deadlock with a bullet header, while the Seagulls keeper had to be alert to a drilled effort from the edge of the box by Romaine Mundle.

Brighton improved in the second half, but were forced to resort to long-range efforts as they struggled to break down Sunderland's defence.

The Seagulls were only two points off third heading into December, but a four-game winless run leaves them ninth and nine points behind third-placed Aston Villa.

Regis le Bris' promoted side, meanwhile, move up to fifth with 27 points from their opening 17 games of the campaign.

December has been a tricky month for the Seagulls in recent years.

And the trend continued on Saturday, with their winless streak in the festive month extending to 10 games - a dismal run stretching back to 2023.

Manager Fabian Hurzeler was not helped by high-profile absences, with Lewis Dunk serving a one-game suspension, while fellow centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke was left out of the squad.

Summer signings Diego Coppola and Olivier Boscagli were chosen as their replacements, with just one Premier League start between them this season.

After some early careless passing that gifted possession back to Sunderland in the middle of the park, the pair held their nerve and stood firm defensively.

But the biggest miss for Brighton was an outlet up front, with Danny Welbeck - the club's top scorer this season - out with a back issue.

Georginio Rutter was given the role of centre-forward, but it was Yasin Ayari who came closest for Brighton.

The Swede lacked a cutting edge in front of goal, snatching at a chance in stoppage time, while he skewed two earlier efforts over the crossbar.

December gets no easier with two trips away from home, as they travel to league leaders Arsenal next before facing a struggling West Ham side at London Stadium.

The festive period will be a true test of Le Bris' squad.

This was Sunderland's first game after losing five of their players to the Africa Cup of Nations - many of whom have been instrumental to their success this season.

Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Reinildo Mandava and Bertrand Traore - who all started in the Black Cats' statement win over Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby last week - plus Arthur Masuaku, have all headed to Morocco for the tournament.

Le Bris has said he is "not worried" about their departures and the Frenchman will be especially thankful that his promoted side are comfortable in the top half of the table and not scrapping it out in a relegation battle.

However, there were signs that Afcon will take a toll on his squad over the next few weeks, with the Black Cats tiring in the second half and presenting Brighton with half-chances to seal a late winner.

Brighton travel to league leaders Arsenal on Saturday, 27 December (15:00 GMT), while Sunderland host Leeds United the following day at 14:00 GMT.