With the task set in Sussex, only an inspired sequence of saves from Steele kept the Hammers behind shortly afterwards. First, a bursting run from Saïd Benrahma almost brought an equaliser. The Algerian forward was tackled, but the ball spun into the path of Bowen, who raced through on goal but could only see his effort kept out by an outstretched leg. Souček was next to test the Brighton stopper. But his strike, after a neat pass from Paquetá, was saved, as, while the Hammers pressed to pull the score level, Brighton led at the break.
And it was a case of rinse and repeat in the second half. The Hammers sat deep, and Brighton controlled the ball. Mac Allister fired the first and second warning signs. He struck over and then later – after Brighton played through a West Ham press with ease – the No10’s flick almost found a way past Areola, although a second for the Seagulls arrived from the resulting corner. An inswinging delivery from the right was flicked on by Mac Allister and tapped home by substitute Veltman.
And the Brighton pressure continued too. March struck over from inside the area, before a third goal for the hosts arrived with just over 20 minutes to go. Again, the Irons were sliced open far too easily, as Mitoma tucked home a cross from Pascal Groß to see the points settled and staying in Sussex.
A fourth followed with little time to play as Welbeck fired home from 16 yards to ensure it was another afternoon to forget for the Hammers in Brighton.
Brighton & Hove Albion: Steele, Lamptey (Veltman 16), Dunk ©, Webster, Estupinan (Buonanotte 77), Caicedo, Groß, March (Welbeck 77), Mac Allister, Mitoma (Sarmiento 83), Ferguson (Enciso 83)
Subs not used: Sánchez (GK), Undav, Gilmour, van Hecke
Goals: Mac Allister 18 Veltman 51 Mitoma 69 Welbeck 89
West Ham United: Areola, Johnson, Aguerd, Ogbonna (Zouma 68), Emerson, Rice ©, Souček (Downes 76), Paquetá (Lanzini 76), Bowen, Ings, Benrahma (Fornals 46)
Subs not used: Anang (GK), Hegyi (GK), Cresswell, Scamacca
Booked: Souček, Bowen, Rice
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Attendance: 31,523
