Brighton 0 – 0 Brentford

A combination of Mark Flekken’s outstanding performance and a miss from Julio Enciso ensured Brighton’s winless run in the Premier League was extended to six games after they were held to a goalless draw by injured Brentford at the Amex.

Enciso, making his first league start under Fabian Hurzeler, hit a post early on, one of eight shots the Paraguayan striker had in a first half dominated by the home team, while Yoane Wissa had his shot ruled out by the video assistant referee declared a narrow offside position.

Brentford’s No.1 Flekken – who has made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the top flight this season – was in top form between the posts and ensured the goal remained goalless even after the Dutchman was sent off nine minutes earlier with a groin problem had to be asked at half time.

Thomas Frank, meanwhile, was unhappy that Brighton striker Joao Pedro was not sent off with a quarter of an hour left after he struck but failed to touch Yehor Yarmoliuk with his elbow.

“I think it was a red card,” said the Brentford manager. “You can’t swing your arm like that. Whether hit or not, it’s a red card.”

And things got even worse for the Bees when the limping Ben Mee had to be substituted with 12 minutes left as the number of injured players rose to 11, with centre-back being the absolute last position in which Frank sustained an injury could afford.

But the visitors held firm, ending a run of three consecutive league defeats and picking up just their second league point away from home this season, while Brighton’s top-flight win stretches back to November 23, when they moved up five places fifth place was where they are now.

Bees are showing they have the mentality to cope with the ever-growing injury list

Analysis from Sky Sports’ Rich Morgan:

“Brentford coach Thomas Frank was both angry and proud after his side were held to a goalless draw at a foggy Amex Stadium on Friday night.

“I am upset that he has lost two more key players from his defensive line, bringing the total number of injured players to 11.”

“‘Losing the goalkeeper and now Ben Mee. We now have 11 failures, that’s perfect,’ he said after the game.”

“But proud when the guests secured only their second point in the top division away from home this season with a hard-fought draw: ‘Top mentality. The players are ready to come in and contribute.’

“And now Frank just has to figure out how to get 11 fit players onto the field when second-placed Arsenal visit the Gtech on New Year’s Day.”

Enciso is showing a hint of his former self in the long-awaited start to the league

Analysis from Sky Sports’ Rich Morgan:

“Incredibly, Julio Enciso’s last Premier League goal for Brighton was his stunning long-range effort against Man City in May 2023, which was the goal of the season that season.”

“The Paraguayan striker missed most of last season with a knee injury which limited him to just 12 appearances in the top flight, meaning his start against Brentford at the Amex on Friday was his first in the league under Fabian Hurzeler.”

“And the 20-year-old almost made a dream comeback when he hit the post right from the start, one of eight attempts he had before half-time, although it was the best goal he scored all evening as his attempts became more and more desperate.”

“Unsurprisingly, Enciso was substituted with 12 minutes remaining after faltering in the second half, but if Hurzeler and his coaching staff can get him back up to speed now, he could be a key attacking component in Brighton’s push into Europe in the second half “Half the season.”

What the managers said…

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler in conversation with Amazon Prime:

“Very disappointing feeling and not a great atmosphere. It’s our fault and we have to learn to win these games.”

“It’s about sticking together and finding the right solutions. It’s important to stay positive. We created a lot of chances and they wanted to score. Good phases, but not a good 90 minutes. This is a business in which you have to get results.” .

“The last six games have all been pretty similar. We deserve a lot more.”

On the possible red card for Joao Pedro: “For me it wasn’t a red card. Have you played football? You’re trying to get free.”

Brentford boss Thomas Frank in conversation with Amazon Prime:

“We don’t play for a point in any game. Sometimes you have to look at the circumstances. They are a very good team and it was a game of two halves.”

“We were really on top, but just missed the open path to create one or two more chances.”

History of the game in the statistics…

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