West Bromwich Albion 2 Brighton & Hove Albion 0
The Seagulls were beaten by the Baggies in a lacklustre display at the Hawthorns.
Jonny Evans put West Brom ahead after just four minutes as he headed in from a corner.
Clear chances were few and far between for the Seagulls, with Glenn Murray and Davy Propper seeing shots charged down.
With Solly March replacing Jose Izquierdo at the start of the second half, the Seagulls looked initially inspired to get themselves back in the game.
But from a Chris Brunt corner on 55 minutes, Craig Dawson thundered a header past Maty Ryan to double the home team’s advantage.
The Seagulls had more of a go at the home team as the half wore on but Anthony Knockaert was most guilty of wasting their best opportunities.
Next up for Brighton and Hove Albion … the small matter of champions Chelsea at the Amex next Saturday (20 January) with a 12.30pm kick off.
