With the Seagulls flying into this game in such good form, it was no surprise to see the visitors make a bright start to the match.
Robin Roefs was called into urgent action early on to deny Diego Gomez from edging Brighton in front before Luka Vuskovic headed the ball over the bar from close range.
Sunderland’s first notable opportunity materialised midway through the first half, when Wilson Isidor’s drilled shot from inside the box was deflected onto the post.
That chance gave the hosts momentum and they almost capitalised on the half-hour mark through Thomas Meunier, but an outstanding block from Ferdi Kadioglu came to Brighton’s rescue and kept the score level.
That proved to be Meunier’s last significant contribution to the match, as an injury shortly afterwards spelt an early end to his game.
Despite the Black Cats’ resurgence, the Seagulls should have taken the lead with literally the last touch of the ball before the interval, but Pascal Struijk’s header from only a few yards out somehow hit the woodwork.
The deadlock was finally broken eight minutes after the interval, and it was the visitors who made the breakthrough thanks to Maxim De Cuyper’s excellent finish following Pascal Gross’ exquisite pass.
Sunderland, though, were given a boost soon afterwards when Struijk was retrospectively shown a red card for denying Isidor a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Despite the extra man advantage, Regis Le Bris’ side just couldn’t find a way past a very well-organised and resolute Brighton defence in the closing stages, and the Seagulls sealed all three points in stoppage time after Jaouen Hadjam’s confident strike to beat Roefs and find the bottom corner.
Fabian Hurzeler’s side remain in third position in the Premier League table and sit just two points behind Manchester City and Arsenal.
Both sides must now switch their attention to Europe. Sunderland are next in action on Thursday evening when they travel to S.C.U.
Torreense in the league phase of the UEFA Europa League, while Brighton host FK Kauno Zalgiris on the same night in the league phase of the UEFA Conference League.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland)
