End justifies the means for boring Brighton

STiCKing with an approach when it isn’t working. How many times has that led to managers getting the sack? So, yes, the description of Brighton as boring at Molineux is accurate but it is also what it perhaps requires if they want a third season in the Premier League. nobody is saying this wasn’t painful to watch. This was not a performance that, replicated over a season, would be enough to keep a side up. But a 0-0 draw is better than a 1-0 defeat. it was also a first clean sheet in 12 games away from home, which is something Brighton manager Chris Hughton has strived for since they won 1-0 at newcastle in October. ‘it sets a level we know that we have to be at,’ said Hughton. Those levels haven’t been good enough of late with only 13 points taken from the last 57 available. While Hughton denied his side ‘set up for a draw’, he still chose to flood the midfield with five players, knowing a defeat would leave his side just two points above relegation rivals Cardiff. ‘it’s about getting a result in any way we can,’ he added. When it comes down to four games left, which start at Tottenham tomorrow and end at Manchester City on the last game of the season, he is right to say that. and if it means mind-numbing football — which saw Brighton have 20 per cent of the ball against Wolves in the first half — to keep them up then so be it. But it does not mean the team should be immune from criticism. Brighton have now gone six games without scoring. With 32 goals, they have the third-lowest total in the league this season — following a summer when they spent £36million on attacking talent. against Wolves, Brighton failed to have a shot on target and are now the only side to do that in three games this term. all of which will not matter so much if they creep over the line.

WOLVES (3-4-1-2): Patricio 6; Bennett 6, Coady 6, Boly 6; Doherty 6 (Traore 84min), Neves 6.5, Moutinho 7, Jonny 6 (Vinagre 67, 6); Gibbs-White 6.5 (Dendoncker 73, 6.5); Jimenez 6, Jota 6.5. Subs not used: Ruddy, Cavaleiro, Costa, Saiss. Booked: None. Manager: Nuno Espirito Santo 6. BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): RYAN 7; Bruno 6 (Bernardo 70, 6), Duffy 6, Dunk 6, Bong 6; Stephens 5.5, Propper 6 (Kayal 10, 6); March 6, Gross 6, Izquierdo 6; Murray 6.5. Subs not used: Button, Locadia, Andone, Jahanbaksh, Burn. Booked: Stephens. Manager: Chris Hughton 7. Referee: Craig Pawson 6. Attendance: 31,096.