Brighton's first league win of the calendar year eased their relegation worries a little as they moved level on points with West Ham United in the Premier League table.
Goals from Glenn Murray, Jose Izquierdo and Pascal Gross gave the resurgent Seagulls a much-deserved win against a West Ham side who failed to live up to the levels of which they are capable.
Javier Hernandez's equaliser was the only moment of quality for the Hammers as they lost in the league for the first time since before Christmas.
Brighton made only one change from their draw at Southampton in the week, with Anthony Knockaert returning to the team in place of Solly March.