It was a hugely competitive match at the Brentford Community Stadium and Thomas Frank’s men played with a real point to prove after their 5-1 loss against Newcastle last week.
Brighton were okay and created chances but the home goalkeeper was inspired and the defenders blocked and tackled with intent.
Brentford recalled Vitaly Janelt, Frank Onyeka and Yoane Wissa for the visit of Brighton. Captain Pontus Jansson and midfielder Christian Norgaard missed out again through injury.
Brighton were unchanged from last weekend’s narrow 1-0 defeat by Tottenham. Brentford had already rattled the crossbar through Bryan Mbeumo when they took the lead in the 27th minute thanks to a cute backheel from Ivan Toney. Toney put Brentford 2-0 up from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Brighton defender Joel Veltman.
Toney now has eight Premier League goals this season, level with Harry Kane, with only Erling Haaland having scored more.
Brighton warmed up in shirts bearing the name of midfielder Enock Mwepu ahead of their first game since the 24-year-old had to retire because of a hereditary heart condition.
Here’s Logan Macleod’s player ratings from the GTech Stadium
5. Solly March 6-10
Industrious. Was getting stuck into challenges and trying to make something happen. Had a half-volley blocked well in the box, looked certain to score. Should have buried a header from a few yards out but hit his effort was straight at the keeper. Poor finishing. 6/10 Photo: BEN STANSALL
6. Alexis Mac Allister 6-10
Was linking up relatively well in the anchor role but could he have played forward more and quicker? A lot of passes were sideways or backwards, when he did play forward Albion got into some threatening positions. Had a few optimistic shots blocked on the edge of the box. Couldn't break down Brentford's block. 6/10 Photo: BEN STANSALL
7. Moises Caicedo - 6/10
Forced a brilliant save from Raya with a piledriver from 25 yards out that was swerving in the air. Played the same role as Mac Allister. Could he have also taken more risks and turned more on the ball in the middle? Too many safe passes. 6/10 Photo: BEN STANSALL
8. Pervis Estupinan 6/10
Looked a threat throughout the first half with his overlapping runs but just lacked the quality in the final third. Was subbed at half-time for Mitoma. Injury perhaps? Was partly at fault for the Brentford goal, being too soft in the tackle with Mbeumo in the build up. 6/10 Photo: Mike Hewitt