Leeds had gone into their match against Brighton on Saturday afternoon in good spirits after beating West Ham last week, but that mood was soon dampened.
Danny Welbeck netted his sixth goal of the season after just 12 minutes , and the Seagulls did not look back in what was a dominant showing.
Diego Gomez bagged a brace for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, who picked up a much-needed victory after struggling against sides lower down the league so far this season.
It’s not a disastrous defeat for Leeds, but their away form is starting to prove to be something that they should be concerned about in their first season back in the top flight.
They will have the chance to put things right when they travel to Nottingham Forest for their final match before the international break next week, while Brighton will face rivals Crystal Palace away from home.
Here, though, Daily Mail Sport’s AADAM PATEL was at the AMEX to run the rule over the two sides.
Brighton picked up a useful win against Leeds – with Danny Welbeck (right) putting his hand up for an England recall
Leeds were abject, with Daniel Farke left furious by certain periods of play from his side
WELBECK FOR ENGLAND?
Danny Welbeck on the plane? Well that’s what Fabian Hurzeler reckons, with the Brighton boss saying that he is good enough to play for England.
Welbeck, who last played for his country at the 2018 World Cup, is the top-scoring Englishman in the Premier League this season and he got his sixth of the campaign here with the opener. He finished off a delightful move that carved Leeds open and if Welbeck carries on at this rate, then Thomas Tuchel may well be in touch.
The striker turns 35 this month but he is arguably playing the best football of his career now, averaging a goal every 105 minutes in the top-flight this season.
ABJECT LEEDS
Leeds boss Farke named an unchanged side from their win over West Ham but he looked furious with his side’s first half display as they were sliced down the middle on several occasions.
When Brenden Aaronson lost the ball midway through the half, Farke turned to his bench and couldn’t hide his frustration as Brighton were handed opening after opening.
At the other end, Leeds failed to test Bart Verbruggen at all in the first half and though they improved after the break, this was a feeble display from the visitors.
MAGIC MINTEH
In Yankuba Minteh, Brighton have such an exciting talent. The Gambia international is the kind of footballer that gets bums off seats and it was his vision and execution which was crucial to the first goal.
Minteh’s movement dragged Gabriel Gudmundsson out of position and his disguised ball to Mats Wieffer was spot on. For the second goal, it was marvellous from Minteh again, this time taking on Gudmundsson before his ball across goal set up Gomez for a tap-in.
Yankuba Minteh is an exciting talent for Brighton, and was heavily involved in the first two goals
Leeds have one away win this season, but have lost at Arsenal, Fulham, Burnley and now Brighton too
FORTRESS AMEX
Brighton have been inconsistent this season but they are turning the AMEX Stadium into something of a fortress. Victory here extended their unbeaten run at home in the top flight to nine games and crucially for Hurzeler, his side kept a rare clean sheet.
This was only their second in their last 22 matches but it wasn’t the biggest surprise when you consider Leeds’ woeful record here. They are now winless in their last 10 away league games against Brighton and have failed to score in their last eight at the AMEX Stadium.
ONE PARTICULAR CONCERN
With 11 points from 10 games, it’s hardly time to panic for Leeds supporters yet but their record on the road is becoming a concern.
Bar a win at Wolves, who are rock bottom, Farke’s men have lost at Arsenal, Fulham, Burnley and now Brighton. They visit Nottingham Forest next week, knowing that defeat by Sean Dyche’s side will see Forest move just two points behind Leeds.
