The Seagulls produced one of the finest performances of the season and increased pressure on West Ham manager David Moyes as his team remain far to close to the relegation zone.
It was another case of the curse of Brighton for West Ham – Moyes’ side have never beaten the Seagulls in the Premier League and left the Amex Stadium empty-handed, yet again, at the 12th attempt.
But this was far from unlucky. A penalty from Alexis Mac Allister, tap-ins for Joel Veltman and Kaoru Mitoma and a late strike from Danny Welbeck did the damage as the fans’ patience with Moyes ran out.
The usually supportive away following were singing his name in the first half, but he faced chants of ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ and ‘sacked in the morning’ in the second.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has no such problems, and he watched from the stands with his feet up while he served a touchline ban for his red card in the tunnel against Fulham a fortnight ago. The Italian’s absence certainly did not knock his in-form side out of their stride.
Sussex World reporter Sam Morton was at the Amex Stadium and here’s the player ratings...
9. March – 9:
Best player in the first half. He nearly scored a superb opening goal after weaving run. His great crossfield pass to Mitoma led to the penalty. Recovered from a minor injury and was excellent throughout – in attack and defence. Showed patience to wait for right pass in build up to third goal. Photo: Warren Little
10. Mac Allister – 8:
Took his penalty brilliantly. Showed the class a World Cup winner should do. Slick in the midfield. Photo: Steve Bardens
11. Mitoma – 8:
Another goal for the Japanese sensation. After a quiet couple of weeks he was near his best again today. Always such a threat. Superb touch and skill to win the penalty that opened the scoring. Sixth goal in ten games. Photo: Steve Bardens
12. Ferguson – 7:
Unlucky not to score but was an unselfish performance from the youngster. A couple of shots on goal - including powerful second half strike that was saved. Linked up the play really well. Photo: Steve Bardens