What looked like was a destined three points in the bag for Chelsea with a 1-0 victory turned sour at the very end as Danny Welbeck scored in additional time to deny the Blues all three points.
Romelu Lukaku had scored for Chelsea early on in the first half and we all thought it would be a routine win for the Blues until the former Arsenal man popped up in the last minute to shatter the dreams.
Thomas Tuchel made four changes to his team, welcoming back Romelu Lukaku for his first start since his return from injury and recovering from Covid-19. Graham Potter on his part effected there changes, with Yves Bissouma returning to the team after completing his suspension.
Brighton got away with the first scare in the 17th minute after Robert Sanchez fumbled the ball from a corner kick, which ricocheted off Mason Mount and towards Cesar Azpilicueta, who fired his shot through the bodies towards the empty net, but the ball came off the post. The rebound fell to Antonio Rudiger, who could only power his header straight at the recovering Sanchez.
The goalkeeper would go ahead to deny Mount minutes later after a fine hold up play by Lukaku to wait for the support of his teammate. He saw his first time shot stopped by the legs of the goalkeeper.
Chelsea suffered a big blow when Reece James pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury before half time and Tuchel was forced to replace the England right back with Marcos Alonso.
The hosts went ahead in the 28th minute from a set piece. Lukaku left his marker for dead as he made it to the far post to head home Mason Mount's corner. There was a VAR check on the goal when Neal Maupay went down holding his face as Lukaku tried to break loose, but the review saw nothing wrong and the goal stood.
Brighton got closest to scoring as Adam Lallana forced Edouard Mendy to a save at the near post after been teed up by Neal Maupay.
On the stroke of half time, Brighton threatened again as Alexis Mac Allister player a one-two with Maupay before sending his effort towards goal, but straight at Mendy.
Tuchel was forced into another injury-induced change at half time as Andreas Christensen did not return with the team after the interval and was replaced by Trevor Chalobah. He looked to have picked up an injury in the first half.
With the lead still at 1-0, Brighton grew with every attack and went close to scoring when Mac Allister tested Mendy from a free kick played to the near post, but the goalkeeper got down to it to push away.
The visitors almost caused their own doom when substitute Alonso controlled the ball with his chest in his own penalty area, but his clearance was poor, allowing Bissouma fire towards goal. Thanks to Mendy for saving the Spaniard's blushes.
Chelsea must have thought they secured the win in the 90th minute when Mount picked Joel Veltman's pocket to lob over Sanchez, but the goal was subjected to a VAR review, which showed that he fouled the Dutchman in the process.
Then lightning struck at the death as Brighton equalized with the final action of the game. Welbeck, who had come on with about 10 minutes left to play found his way between two Chelsea defenders to power home his header from a Marc Cucurella cross, much to the dismay of Thomas Tuchel.
Concluding Thoughts
Nothing hurts more than a last minute goal that denies you a victory when you thought you had it all wrapped up. This is the story of Chelsea as they lost pace with Manchester City at the top of the log.
It's another disappointing one for the Blues as they recorded their third draw in their last five league games, winning the other two against Leeds United and Aston Villa.
After scoring the goal, I had thought that would set the tone for a one-sided affair in favour of Chelsea getting a convincing win, but they proved me and most followers wrong. They practically went to bed after that goal as Brighton dominated thenceforth, especially in the first half. They were just unlucky not to have scored them, but they definitely saved the best for the last.
So soon, the exploits of Tuchel with Chelsea have been forgotten, with many questioning his tactical decisions, which has obviously not worked in recent times for his side.
Brighton still maintain their spot as the last team in the top half of the table with two games in hand.
Although Chelsea remain in second, thanks to Liverpool's loss to Leicester City, they are now eight points behind Manchester City and they know their next game on Sunday against third placed Liverpool, who are just a point behind them and with a game in hand is a must win.