In a breathless first-half, the visitors twice took the lead but were pegged back on each occasion. Pontus Jansson powered home an early header before Kaoru Mitoma brilliantly lobbed David Raya for 1-1.
It was a case of you’re almost the most vulnerable when you score a goal as, almost instantly, Ivan Toney slotted it past Jason Steele to make it 2-1.
But Albion responded well again and Danny Welbeck made it two goals each, when he got on the end of Solly March’s wicked cross to head the ball in.
Brighton ended the first-half on top and probably should have taken the lead but were punished right after the restart when Ethan Pinnock scored at the back post, following a free-kick.
It was attack vs defence for the rest of the encounter as Roberto De Zerbi’s side battled for a third equaliser.
The hosts missed countess chances – with 33 shots on goal – but it looked like one of those days before Brighton were given a penalty late on. Substitute Deniz Undav’s shot from point blank range was blocked by the hand of Aaron Hickey and the referee pointed to the spot after a VAR check.
Alexis Mac Allister held his nerve to send the keeper the wrong way and earn Albion an important point.
Here are our player ratings.
5. Levi Colwill - 6
Colwill usually makes defending look simple but Toney gave the youngster a real tough test this afternoon. It wasn't plain sailing by any means. Like Dunk, he will be disappointed not to have scored with a header. Kept Brighton in the game with some important defending in key moments. Photo: Justin Setterfield
6. Pervis Estupiñán - 6
Estupiñán caused all sorts of problems for Brentford in an attacking sense - particularly in the second half - but he just lacked that final ball. A few first-half errors and he lost his man before the third goal after switching off. Redeemed himself with crucial defending against Mbeumo, who would have been free in acres of space. Replaced late on Photo: Justin Setterfield
7. Moises Caicedo - 7
Great tackles, top notch passing and even a few wicked shots. It was a good performance from Caicedo but he may wish he took control of the midfield a bit better in key moments. Photo: Mike Hewitt
8. Pascal Gross - 6
Was a bit careless with the ball on a couple of occasions in the first half, which is unlike him. But he recovered well and nearly had an assist with great through ball to March. Squandered a great second-half headed chance Photo: Mike Hewitt