Spurs looked set to end their long winless run and climb out of the relegation zone when Xavi Simons curled home with 13 minutes remaining, seemingly putting the hosts on course for a vital victory.
Instead, the equaliser arrived in the 95th minute, with Rutter converting late on to stun the home crowd and leave Tottenham still hovering in the bottom three with five games to play.
The result leaves Roberto De Zerbi’s side just a point from safety, with their position still vulnerable depending on results elsewhere, while Brighton remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
Tottenham had earlier taken the lead during a tense first half, Pedro Porro heading in from a Simons delivery despite Brighton enjoying the better of the chances, including efforts that struck the woodwork and forced key saves.
Brighton hit back before the break through Kaoru Mitoma, who produced a superb volley after coming on early as a substitute, cancelling out Spurs’ opener.
Simons’ second-half strike, created after Lucas Bergvall won possession high up the pitch, looked decisive, but Tottenham were once again undone late on as Rutter’s stoppage-time finish delivered a damaging blow to their survival hopes.
Roberto De Zerbi has urged his Tottenham players to embrace a ruthless, positive mindset in their fight for survival after a dramatic late equaliser denied them a crucial win against Brighton.
Manchester United defended like trojans and survived a flurry of chances to leave Stamford Bridge with an unlikely 1-0 win in the Premier League on Saturday.
Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal will all go all out to win when they travel to take on Manchester City in what could be a decisive Premier League clash on Sunday.
Roberto De Zerbi has called on his players to show character and unity as Tottenham prepare to face Brighton today, admitting the loss of key defender Cristian Romero for the rest of the season has been a major setback.
