James Ward-Prowse scored two stunning goals as Southampton came from behind to rescue a point at Falmer stadium.
Brighton were cruising thanks to a second-minute strike from Danny Welbeck and Mohammed Salisu's own goal late in the first half, with Saints full-back Tino Livramento also carried off with a serious-looking leg injury.
However, Ward-Prowse's trademark free-kick on the cusp of half-time sparked the Southampton fightback, his 14th directly from a free-kick, second only to David Beckham (18) in the Premier League era.
After the break, he demonstrated his skills from open play with a fierce low drive that fizzed past Robert Sanchez bring his side level and take him to 10 goals for the season.
Southampton pushed for a winner against their shell-shocked hosts but lacked creativity and were relieved that Pascal Gross's late strike was ruled out for offside.
The point does mean Brighton match their record Premier League points tally of 41 and breaks their run of five home games without a goal.
Ward-Prowse later said: "We gifted them two goals and we felt at half-time we were very much in the game. It's frustrating when you give teams those sort of leads but we showed great character.
"Sometimes this happens in the Premier League when you're up good teams but we were more frustrated at ourselves. To come from behind is never easy and we did that today. We wanted to start the second half quickly and continue the momentum. Probably, on another day we would have nicked a third."
On chasing David Beckham's Premier League record of 18 direct free-kick goals, he added: "My main motivation is to meet my hero from when I was a kid. If I do get that record, hopefully he'll reach out - but there's a long way to go yet."
Need a VPN? Or seeking to switch? Then support Tribal Football by clicking here to sign up with our official partners NordVPN. Not only will you receive the best VPN experience, but also great discounts by signing up via Tribal Football. Thanks for your support!