Graham Potter explains why 'influential' Adam Lallana was substituted against West Brom

Lallana, 32, was one of Albion's better performers on the night as they played out a 1-1 draw with newly-promoted West Brom.

Brighton were the dominant team in the first half and took the lead when Baggies midfielder Jake Livermore turned into his own net after a fine run and cross from Tariq Lamptey.

The visitors were however much-improved after the break and Graham Potter's team struggled to gain control of the midfield - particularly after Lallana was replaced by Pascal Gross on 61 minutes.

West Brom maintained the pressure and scored the equaliser on 83 minutes through Karlan Grant.

“Of course after the event you can say that," said Potter when asked if Lallana should have stayed on. “We are at a stage with Adam where we are trying to build his minutes up and only work towards a certain amount of time for him.

“Of course, I think you are going to miss somebody like Adam. I think he was influencing the game well. That’s just where we are with him at the moment.

“With Adam it was a pre-conceived idea really to only play 60 minutes because we are aware of where we are with him.

“That’s one of those things that we can reflect on and see if we could have pushed that.

“Obviously it’s a straight swap with Pascal and it gives us another set play deliverer."

All of Brighton's second half substitutions focused on the midfield area as Potter desperately tried to regain control against Slaven Bilic's team, who are yet to record a win since their return to the top flight.

Alexis Mac Allister was also introduced as he replaced Solly March with 20 minutes remaining and Steven Alzate came on for Leandro Trossard on 79 minutes.

Potter was disappointed his subs failed to make the desired impression but credited West Brom for the hold they had on the match.

“When you look at it in the cold light of day, they didn’t have the effect we would maybe have liked.

“I don’t think it’s down to the individuals themselves. It’s more the fact we could get a good enough hold of the game.

“Steven Alzate late and Alexis Mac Allister for Solly to give us back four and an extra midfield player.

“Sometimes they work for you, sometimes they don’t.”