The result also saw them leapfrog their opponents in the table, compounding a miserable run for Chelsea that has placed head coach Liam Rosenior under mounting pressure.

Rosenior was infuriated by the performance of his players, stating after the game: "It was unacceptable in every aspect of the game, unacceptable in our attitude. I keep coming out and defending the players.

"That's indefensible, that performance tonight. The manner of the goals we conceded, the amount of duels that we lost, the lack of intensity in the team. Something needs to change drastically right now.

"I think the players need to have a look in the mirror for what they put in. You can talk about tactics... tactics come after the basics. Having more courage to play, winning duels, winning headers, tackles, conceding terrible goals. That was an unacceptable performance tonight."

From the outset, Brighton controlled proceedings and looked dangerous. Kaoru Mitoma nearly opened the scoring inside two minutes, only to be denied by Robert Sanchez.

The breakthrough arrived shortly after, in the third minute, when Ferdi Kadioglu capitalised on a poorly cleared corner by Jorrel Hato to fire home.

Brighton's dominance continued throughout the match. Jan Paul van Hecke forced a save with a header, while Jack Hinshelwood saw an effort cleared off the line following a misplaced pass from Sanchez.

Georginio Rutter also squandered a promising chance from inside the box, but Brighton's persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Hinshelwood converted from Rutter's pass.

Chelsea offered little in response, managing just a single blocked effort from Trevoh Chalobah in the opening 40 minutes. Romeo Lavia fired wide early in the second half, prompting sarcastic chants of "we've had a shot" from frustrated supporters, many of whom directed their anger at Rosenior.

Danny Welbeck sealed the victory late on, finishing from substitute Maxim de Cuyper's pass for his 13th goal of the season. Brighton could have extended their lead further, with Kadioglu testing the goalkeeper twice more.

Chelsea's defeat marked their fifth consecutive league loss without scoring - their worst such run since 1912 - leaving their Champions League hopes in tatters and raising the prospect of a drop into the bottom half.

Ronwen Williams nominated for top goalkeeper award