Leandro Troussard scored a hat-trick as Brighton marked the debut of new coach Roberto De Zarbe with a highly entertaining and hard-fought draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
The Seagulls, who held a two-goal lead with the Reds, made a slow start, playing their first Premier League game in 28 days after the international break.
Troussard got the first goal after just four minutes when he fired past Danny Welbeck into the bottom corner and 13 minutes later added a second in almost identical fashion, this time from Solly March.
Roberto Firmino sparked a Liverpool fightback before half-time when he drove in, a goal awarded after initially being ruled out for offside by the video assistant referee (VAR).
The Brazilian equalized nine minutes after the break when substitute Luis Diaz found Firmino, who coolly mistimed his marker before firing over from close range.
There was a sense of inevitability as a hungry Liverpool continued to come forward and they duly got their third when Adam Webster converted into his own net under pressure from Firmino.
But Trossard had the final say when he headed in at the back post late on to secure the match ball and secure a point for his side.
The draw means Brighton are fourth but Liverpool are ninth, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal but with a game in hand.
Stirring fightback, but the Reds were undone by another poor start.
It was a game that clearly highlighted both the best and worst of this current Liverpool side.
On the one hand, their battle was like the Liverpool of old where, after a dreadful first 25 minutes, the feeling was growing that the Reds would at some point put themselves ahead.
But on the other hand, it was another poor start that ultimately cost them the three points.
Liverpool have now conceded the first goal in five of their seven Premier League games this season and working out how to get the Reds back on the front foot is the challenge facing manager Jurgen Klopp.
The determination and character that took Liverpool to within a point of champions Manchester City last season but they need to rediscover their focus before the title race slips away from them.
Life after Potter sounds interesting.
Brighton fans traveled in good numbers despite the distance and rail barrier to see what the team looks like under De Zerbi.
The Italian replaces Graham Potter, who left before the international break to join Chelsea and Seagulls fans have been promised entertaining but dangerous football from their new manager.
It was certainly evident in a game they could have won 6-3 but lost by the same scoreline.
They were lively and direct in the first 25 minutes and although they tired afterwards, they showed enough spirit to get back level in the closing stages.
It’s still very early days but the signs are encouraging that Potter’s post-life under De Zurby will be an interesting one.
