Danny Welbeck’s sixth goal in five league games and a brace from Diego Gomez secured a return to winning ways for Fabian Hurzeler’s team.
It was just what the doctor ordered after back-to-back defeats against Manchester United and Arsenal in the Premier League and Carabao Cup respectively.
It was Brighton’s first clean sheet of the season and their first in 22 league matches.
Welbeck got the party started with a goal from close range after 11 minutes. The veteran striker, who can’t stop scoring, was set up by Mats Wieffer after some lovely work by Yankuba Minteh.
Minteh nearly made it two for the Seagulls after a fast counter attack but the Gambian wide man’s shot went just wide after he waited for the perfect time to shoot.
Leeds – who were second best for most of the afternoon – did threaten the Brighton goal at times. The visitors nearly equalised on stroke of half-time through Sean Longstaff.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin also went close after the break.
But Brighton were quickly back on top and got that all-important second goal through Diego Gomez. The Paraguay international scored his first goal of the season on the 64th minute after more good work out wide by Minteh.
It was then Georginio’s turn to put the ball on a plate for Gomez after a classy run just six minutes later.
The Seagulls were soaring at this point and, if it wasn’t for Leeds goalkeeper Lucas Perri, the hosts could have had five or six.
The Brazilian keeper denied Gomez a hat-trick and somehow kept out Yasin Ayari’s powerful drive.
Opposite number one Bart Verbruggen – who didn’t have a huge amount to do all afternoon – was alert to make two quickfire saves as Leeds tried to find a consolation goal.
Here are our player ratings for Brighton and Hove Albion:
9. Diego Gómez – 9
The goals may not have been at the standard of his sublime Carabao Cup hat-trick at Barnsley – but who cares? A brilliant confidence-boosting brace for the midfielder who was in the right place, at the right time, on two occasions. He also put in some vital defensive work. Nearly grabbed a hat-trick, with an outside-of-the-boot attempt. Given a standing ovation as he was replaced by Tommy Watson. Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty Images
10. Georginio Rutter – 8
Up against his former employers. Earned a free kick after a sharp turn in the first-half. Great effort into the side-netting at start of second-half. Lovely dummy for Gomez’s first goal. Worked some magic to set up his team’s third goal. The former Leeds man had an apologetic look on his face as his teammates came to celebrate with him. The Frenchman was substituted to applause from the Brighton faithful and even some of the travelling Leeds supporters which was nice to see. Photo: Harry Murphy/Getty Images
11. Yankuba Minteh – 8
Lovely work in build-up to the opener – delicate chipped pass to Wieffer. Won the ball fairly with perfectly timed sliding challenge on Noah Okafor. Brilliant run but his shot was just wide. Set up Van Hecke’s chance after good turn of pace. At the heart of Brighton’s second goal as his cross from the right landed at the feet of goalscorer Gomez. Warmly applauded off the field as he was replaced after 87 minutes. Photo: Harry Murphy/Getty Images
12. Danny Welbeck – 8
Almost guaranteed to score when he plays at the moment. Sixth goal in five games. Nearly scored his second with powerful effort. Gave the ball away during promising counter attack. Skipped past Bogle after a sharp piece of skill. Given a deserved rest after 80 minutes. Photo: Harry Murphy / Getty Images