While Brighton is now second on the table, the Seagulls missed the chance of closing the gap on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League to six points following a disappointing 1-1 draw with Southampton.
Kaoru Mitoma capitalised on poor Saints defending to head Brighton in front midway through the first half at the AMEX. But the hosts were pegged back when Flynn Downes slammed home the equaliser for Southampton just before the hour.
Cameron Archer then thought he had given the Saints an unlikely lead minutes later, only to see the effort ruled out for offside after VAR deemed Adam Armstrong to be interfering with play in an offside position.
Georginio Rutter also came close to a goal for Brighton, coming into the Saints a box from the right before unleashing a shot which crashed off the post. Both teams could’ve done with a win, but eventually settled for a draw.
Now, Brighton is up to second with 23 points, ahead of Manchester City by virtue of a better head-to-head record as Brighton and City have same points, goal difference and goals scored.
Meanwhile, Southampton remain bottom of the table, with just five points from 13 games.