A wasteful Albion squandered the opportunity to end their now six game winless run, as they were held by a resolute Brentford side. (Friday, December 27).

Albion’s first opportunity of the match came in the fourth minute, with Brighton’s Julio Enciso taking on the shot following a neat lay off from teammate João Pedro. The Argentine’s curling effort ricocheted off the post however, to deny Albion an early opener.

As Brighton’s Brajan Gruda continued to pull the strings, Enciso squandered further opportunities with his header and shot lacking the accuracy required to test Brentford goalkeeper Mark Flekken.

It seemed Brentford had provided a blow to the bright start from the Seagulls in the 14th minute, as Mads Roerslev played the ball through to forward Yoane Wissa, who struck the ball past Bart Verbruggen and into the top corner. 

VAR provided the let off for Albion however, as Wissa had strayed marginally offside.

Albion continued their dominant display with several shots being saved smartly by Flekken.

With ten minutes to go in the first half, Brentford goalkeeper Flekken exited the pitch as an earlier challenge had left him with some groin discomfort.

The substitution of Hákon Valdimarsson warranted no let off for Brentford, with Albion becoming increasingly more difficult to contain as the Bees were penned in their own half. 

Brentford improved in the second half, however Brighton continued to be the better of the two and were left frustrated as they couldn’t find the opener despite Hurzeler ringing the changes.

Albion’s Pedro was lucky to remain on the pitch as in the 75th minute the striker attempted to elbow Brentford’s Yehor Yarmoliuk, however failed to make contact. VAR decided for the player to not be cautioned due to this reason.

Brighton had two promising chances in the closing stages as substitute Yasin Ayari received the ball in the box just yards from goal, however he wildly blazed his effort over the bar. 

The chance also arrived in additional time for Solly March to make an impact on his highly anticipated return following an ACL injury which had left the winger sidelined for 14 months. 

March was on the edge of the box with time and space to pick his spot, however he fired his shot just over the bar to see the match end in a goalless draw.

These are the player ratings for Brighton’s 0-0 draw against Brentford.

1. Bart Verbruggen (GK) – 6 Verbruggen produced a comfortable Albion performance, laying claim to the ball when necessary and commanding his box well. Verbruggen also impressed with several incisive passes through to the midfield.

2. Pervis Estupiñán – 6 The Albion defender had a quiet evening, however was involved in some of Brighton’s build up play and looked to maintain possession for Albion high up the pitch. 

3. Lewis Dunk – 6 Dunk displayed a confident performance at the back for Albion, with the defender producing several of his trademark headers when the ball came his way.

4. Jan Paul van Hecke – 7 The Dutchman provided several vital blocks for Albion and displayed his strength playing out from the back to hold off Brentford’s forwards. The defender also provided several clearances from corners.

5. Joël Veltman – 6 Veltman displayed a strong performance for Albion, comfortably playing out from the back and playing high up the pitch in the first half as Brighton looked to create in and around Brentford’s box.

6. Matt O’Riley – 6 The midfielder looked bright for Albion, providing a threat with several shots on goal and involving himself in Brighton’s play in the final third until he was replaced in the latter stages.

7. Carlos Baleba – 7 The midfielder cleared up loose balls in the midfield and quickly distributed the ball across the pitch whilst under pressure, with his trademark strength making Baleba difficult to dispossess.

8. Kaoru Mitoma – 6 The Japanese international was involved in much of Albion’s play, with the forward providing threatening crosses and pacy runs from the left flank. However, much like his teammates, he lacked the cutting edge to seal Albion the opening goal. 

9. Brajan Gruda – 7 The midfielder was instrumental in Albion’s attacks, with Gruda maintaining and distributing possession in and around the box with his close control and insightful passes. 

10. Julio Enciso – 5 The Paraguayan had a wasteful evening in front of goal as Enciso squandered several opportunities, showing signs of lacking minutes in the tank. 

11. João Pedro – 6 The striker looked lively in the first half with his quick play in and around the box. Pedro continued to make runs in the second half but struggled to make a significant impact. 

The forward was indeed fortunate to remain on the pitch as he flung his elbow at Brentford’s Yarmoliuk but failed to make contact, and so was not cautioned by VAR.

12. Brighton substitutes:

Simon Adringra – 5 Replaced Mitoma in the 67th minute. Adingra struggled to make an impact however the winger attempted to create in the final third for Albion.

Yankuba Minteh – 5 Replaced Gruda in the 67th minute. The Albion midfielder struggled at times as Brentford continued to cut through the midfield with their pacy breaks.

Yasin Ayari – 5 Replaced O’Riley with just over 20 minutes remaining. Ayari blazed his effort wildly over the bar a few yards from goal in what was arguably Albion’s most promising chance of the second half. 

Georginio Rutter – 5 Replaced Enciso in the 77th minute. Rutter involved himself in Albion’s attacks, however headed wide in a late Seagulls opportunity.

Solly March – 6 Replaced Veltman in the 88th minute. The winger found himself with time and space following a corner, however his shot was fired just over the bar.

By Annabel Bassett