Albion played with fire for a third time last night – and this time it cost them dear.

Christian Benteke scored deep in injury time to give Crystal Palace a 2-1 win at the Amex.

It was desperately tough on the Seagulls.

But it was not the first time they have been left exposed at such a time in a close game.

They have dodged two bullets in home fixtures in recent weeks.

First when Wolves sub Owen Otasowie headed over a gaping goal with the final touch of a 3-3 draw.

Then deep into added time at home to Fulham, when Lewis Dunk cleared off the line from Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

That intervention by the Seagulls skipper is currently looking like one of the biggest moments of their season.

It has helped Albion remain four points clear of the Cottagers – rather than one - as things stand.

POTTER: WE CAN'T RELY ON OTHERS

On each occasion, Albion have been chasing the win.

By contrast, they have looked very solid in protecting narrow leads late on against Tottenham, Liverpool and Leeds.

Graham Potter said: “We were pushing and I think we were in a place where we had to try and get that winning goal because we were that dominant.

“The Premier League can kill you as it feels like it has tonight.”