Wolverhampton Wanderers fought hard to hold Brighton & Hove Albion to a goalless draw at the American Express Stadium on Monday night, extending their unbeaten streak to six matches in all competitions. Gary O'Neil's side struggled to get a grip on the game in the first half but improved a great deal in the second to cause a threat on the counter attack - especially through Pedro Neto - before defending resolutely to hold on at the end. The visitors probably had the better of the chances nearing the end but neither net was bulged and the points were shared.
Brighton, who were the better team in the first period, had a terrific early chance as Facundo Buonanotte forced Wolves midfielder Tommy Doyle to dramatically clear the ball out of the goal mouth in the 12th minute. Albion striker Danny Welbeck flicked on a corner and Buonanotte was there at the far post to throw himself at the ball near the deck. The Argentine, who really should've used his foot rather than his head, got a connection but it was weak enough to allow Doyle to clear.
Wolves had their first decent chance of the game in the 22nd minute as Neto dribbled with the ball for about 25 yards before cutting in and striking sweetly on his left boot. Not threatened by any Brighton defenders, the Old Gold number seven attempted to pick out the far corner but saw the ball flash merely inches wide of the post.
Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha appealed frantically when Buonanotte caught him in the face off the ball as the clock struck the half-hour mark, but referee Craig Pawson and VAR Simon Hooper were disinterested. It was miles away from the action as Buonanotte appeared to turn around to face Cunha and strike an arm out to catch the Wolves man in the face. As it was, however, play went on without any intervention.
Wolves had a glorious chance to take the lead immediately after half time as Neto drove at the Brighton defence before cutting it back into the centre for Cunha to strike first time. The Wolves number 12 got plenty of power on his effort but Jason Steele did well to get down and keep it out. Gary O'Neil beat his arms in frustration, knowing how rarely opportunities like that come, especially away from home.
Brighton regained control of proceedings for the middle stage of the second period but Wolves sat in deep to absorb the pressure. The Old Gold did superbly to generate chances on the counter attack, too, with Neto, Mario Lemina and Cunha all having openings. On another day, there would have been several goals for both teams but it wasn't to be. Nonetheless, it's a terrific point on the road for O'Neil's men and lots of positives to be taken. Here are our Wolves player ratings.
1. Jose Sa - 7
Did well to tip over a fierce Gross free-kick in the first half, taking it away from Van Hecke who was bearing down on goal. Made an easy stop to deny Pedro just before the interval.
2. Nelson Semedo - 8
Made what was possibly a goal-saving sliding challenge to stop Pedro clean through on goal early in the second half. Although Brighton were able to pepper the Wolves box from Semedo’s side, the defender did well to make the passing angles trickier.
3. Max Kilman - 7
Had mixed results in a physical sense against Welbeck but was excellent at cutting out Pedro’s mazey runs. Booked for a reckless second half challenge in a failure to stop one Pedro dribble, mind.
4. Craig Dawson - 7
Headed out pretty much everything that came his way; there were so many crosses into the danger area from Estupinan and Gross. Stood his ground to win his fair share of duels.