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.
9. Solly March - 8
Brighton's biggest threat. The forward is brimming with confidence at the moment and was very unlucky not to score today. He may be disappointed to have missed a couple of big chances but he was fantastic all afternoon. Perfect cross for Danny Welbeck Photo: Mike Hewitt
10. Alexis Mac Allister - 8
Kept his nerve after a long wait to make it 3-3.from the spot. It was never in doubt for this supremely talented Argentine. A couple of great shots and lovely passing as Brighton dominated the ball Photo: Steve Bardens
11. Kaoru Mitoma - 7
What a goal it was to make it 1-1. This guy knows how to finish, with a superb lob over the keeper. He remained a threat in the second half and could have had one or two assists to his name on another day. Photo: Justin Setterfield
12. Danny Welbeck - 7
Excellent first-half performance and great to see him back on the scoresheet. It was a well-taken header at the back post. Tired in the second half was replaced by Undav for final ten minutes Photo: Justin Setterfield