SO COOL FOR CATS

Wearsiders draw praise maintaining impressive start

- BY EDWARD ELLIOT

SUNDERLAND'S impressive start following promotion to the Premier League continued with a battling goalless draw at Brighton.

Black Cats defender Omar Alderete went closest to a winner at the Amex Stadium when his 46th-minute header was pushed on to the crossbar by Seagulls goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.

Yasin Ayari wasted the best of Brighton's chances as their winless run stretched to four matches, prompting a smattering of boos at full-time.

Sunderland, who've taken 27 points from 17 games, remain three points above the Seagulls ahead of ending a memorable 2025 at home to Leeds.

Regis Le Bris' side made the long trip south seeking to build on last week's 1-0 Wear-Tyne derby win over Newcastle.