Brighton & Hove Albion kept their unbeaten start to the Premier League season alive as they drew 0-0 with Newcastle United at the Amex Stadium.
Brighton fielded the same side that won away at Manchester United, with Neal Maupay absent from the squad amid reports of a move away from the club.
Newcastle did well to contain the home side’s push once the opening whistle blew, but it was Albion who enjoyed the better chances of the first half.
Solly March thought he had given his team the lead in the 33rd minute as his low shot through a sea of bodies appeared to cross the line, but Kieran Trippier’s outstretched leg ensured it was cleared in the nick of time.
Nick Pope was called into action in the 42nd minute as Adam Lallana’s turn and shot headed towards goal, but the away side did enough to keep the score goalless at the halftime break.
Brighton began the brighter in the second half, and nearly had the lead just four minutes in. March’s cross was met by the head of Lallana, but Nick Pope came to the rescue again for the visitors, somehow keeping it out.
The Seagulls were starting to dominate, and bossed much of the possession before fashioning another great chance in the 72nd minute. Substitute Enock Mwepu’s pull back found Solly March in the box, but he was once again denied by Pope’s fantastic reflexes.
The former Burnley custodian was having a game to remember, but he had his defenders to thank in the 82nd minute as a strike from Joel Veltman inside a crowded penalty area was somehow blocked by Dan Burn and cleared off the line by Fabian Schar.
The Magpies were holding on, and should have conceded just a few minutes later after Premier League debutant Kaoru Mitoma’s terrific play down the flank found Pascal Gross with the goal gaping, but his effort was just inches wide.
Newcastle managed to hold on for a goalless draw, but Brighton’s unbeaten start to the season continues, with a trip to West Ham United up next for the Seagulls.
