Albion were sunk by two moments of high quality as they went down at home to the leaders tonight.
The Seagulls were beaten 2-0 by a Bournemouth side they matched for 70 minutes.
Yann Kermogant broke the deadlock with a brilliant free-kick over the wall after Lewis Dunk had scythed down recently-introduced substitute Adam Smith just outside the box.
And Callum Wilson danced his way past Greg Halford to drill home the 81st-minute second.
Inigo Calderon led home shouts for a penalty in the period between the goals.
But referee Craig Pawson waved away their appeals for handball by Matt Ritchie.
Albion produced an improved performance but it was a game of few chances.
Dale Stephens fired over in the second half and Leon Best sent a tame finish into the grateful hands of Artur Boruc after a superb first touch had put him clear.
By contrast, the Cherries had quality when it mattered most - and it has sent them four points clear ahead of the weekend’s games.
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