Brighton have made a superb start to the season, but this was not their day.

They had a 5-0 win over rivals Crystal Palace last time out in the Premier League, while they have also progressed into the last 16 of the Carabao Cup and are unbeaten after two matches in the main phase of the Conference League.

The Seagulls have never finished higher than sixth in English football's top division and their fans are hoping for a push for a Champions League spot after their impressive start.

But after the win over Palace, boss Fabian Hurzeler was quick to shut down any talk that they could be involved in the Premier League title race, and how they cope with the extra fixtures will be a key factor.

Games are coming thick and fast for Brighton, who drew 0-0 in the Czech Republic against Jablonec on Thursday in the Conference League.

This was the second of five successive away matches and perhaps a reality check for Brighton's ambitions this season.

Hurzeler was left to rue what might have been had Yasin Ayari put them ahead following a lovely move from his Brighton side, whose total of 23 goals is the highest in the top flight.

Diego Gomez, a goalscorer from the halfway line against Palace, played a superb through ball to Pascal Gross and his pull-back found Ayari, but the Sweden midfielder could only shoot over when he should have scored.

Brighton quickly found themselves two goals behind, and despite having more of the ball, securing 64% of possession, the visitors could only manage one shot on target as they failed to score in the Premier League for the first time this season.

Both of these sides are next in action with Carabao Cup last-16 ties on Wednesday, with Liverpool at home to Chelsea. Brighton face another tough away task in the north west, at Manchester City.