Chris Hughton believes the first goal was crucial as Albion beat Reading.

The Seagulls boss agreed fans at the Amex saw their side at their best in a 3-0 success which sent them back into top spot.

Goals from Sam Baldock, Jamie Murphy and Anthony Knockaert capped a near-perfect day as Newcastle and Huddersfield were held to draws.

Albion have not dropped a point when going 1-0 up this term and Baldock’s finish gave them the advantage this time.

Asked whether Albion were at their best today, boss Hughton said: “Yes, I think so. It’s up against one of the best teams in this division.

“They do what they do very well and there were periods in the first half when it was maybe going to be about the team who scored first that would have the edge.

“We knew that, if we scored first, they would have to come out a little bit, take a few more chances.

“That is how it panned out and it enabled us to get the second and third goals.”