IF you can’t win ‘em all, then I guess it’s best at least you don’t lose.

As Blues went in search of a seventh straight victory, and equalling such a fine sequence last achieved in 1994, it had the look and feel of a game too far.

Chris Hughton and his players won’t use the gruelling schedule as an excuse for a sub-par performance.

But four games in 10 days was a factor, physically and mentally.

Blues lacked an edge at the top end of the pitch and, as the match went on, seemed leggy.

Brighton rejigged their side a little as well and the way they like to pass the ball around and make the pitch big, Blues could have done without that too.

It was the first time Blues have failed to score in the Championship this season.

And it was their first 0-0 since – of all places – Manchester City 11 months ago.

One aspect that was pleasing, and has become a constant in recent weeks, was the security of Blues’ defensive play.

They have not conceded a goal for just under seven hours of league football now, and only one has been netted against them at St Andrew’s in six league matches, and that was a pretty spectacular strike from Barnsley’s Danny Butterfield. There’s definitely something about them defensively and, as I’ve often pointed out, try and identify a better back five in the Championship.

Curtis Davies and Steven Caldwell were once more pretty immense.

They complement each other well and there’s an honesty and ruggedness about Caldwell that is infectious on those around him.

Like any proper centre-half worth his salt, Caldwell is playing on despite breaking his nose a second time this season.

Where Blues fell down on Saturday was in the departments where they have had success during this surge since the battering by Southampton at the end of September.

Blues were fairly toothless in attack and from the wide areas the productivity and threat was not as hard to handle as it has been for defences in Slovenia, Nottingham, Belgium and Bristol.

Brighton, who pushed their wide men Craig Noone and Ashley Barnes in a midfield five right up the pitch, didn’t make it straightforward for Jean Beausejour or Chris Burke either.

Blues got hemmed in a fair bit and their most promising moments came when there was space to run into and exploit.

Blues’ wing pair have been constants in the team and the tremendous amount of work they get through up and down the flanks is often overlooked.