Brighton’s barren December continues as Sunderland hold on for a draw
Much has been made of the impact the Africa Cup of Nations could have on Sunderland’s fortunes over the next few weeks. Yet much like their impressive adaptation to life in the Premier League, Régis Le Bris’s side just seem to take it all in their stride.
Without four of those who helped them record a famous derby victory over Newcastle last weekend because of the tournament that kicks off in Morocco on Sunday, Sunderland showed their fighting qualities with a gritty defensive display against a misfiring Brighton team who have lost their way in recent weeks. While Fabian Hürzeler’s side have now failed to win any of their last four matches having been knocking on the door of the top five a few weeks ago, incredibly Sunderland find themselves in genuine contention for Champions League qualification with almost half the season gone. It was no wonder that many of the travelling supporters wearing Santa hats emblazoned with the face of Le Bris who had made the 700-mile round trip to the south coast could barely contain themselves at full-time.
