BRIGHTON 3 Gross (45, 48), Hemed (63) WEST BROM 1 Morrison (77)

BRIGHTON broke both their Premier League duck and goal drought in style by thumping West Brom at the Amex Stadium.

Pascal Gross bagged a brace and laid on the third for Tomer Hemed, as the Seagulls stunned Tony Pulis’ usually robust Baggies.

German star Gross cost Brighton just £3million from Ingoldstat, and the industrious 26-year-old offered a quick-fire return on that smart investment on the south coast.

The hosts fully merited this maiden Premier League win and their first in the top flight since 1983, though – a victory that boss Chris Hughton will hope to turn into a run of results.

By contrast, West Brom’s unbeaten start to the campaign came crashing to a halt.

The home side wasted a host of chances in an industrious opening period, hogging territory and possession without ever carving any gilt-edged opportunities.

Several strong bouts of build-up were let down by a poor final ball from the Seagulls, but as the half edged to a close, Gross squeezed the ball past Ben Foster.

The home crowd met their side’s first Premier League goal at the fourth time of asking with more relief than delight.

But there could be no mistaking the elation when Gross drilled his second of the day just moments after the break, however.

Tomer Hemed trapped well into his feet, before turning a smart ball round the corner to split the defence. Gross cantered through the centre, let fly on the run – and doubled the Seagulls’ lead, and their Premier League tally.

Baggies’ boss Tony Pulis threw on all his three West Brom replacements in a bid to reverse his side’s fortunes, but Brighton kept their cool – and pounced again.

Hemed reached Gross’ teasing near-post first, and nodded past the outstretched Foster. West Brom clutched at respectability thanks to James Morrison’s late goal, but Brighton rightfully held out for a win to kick-start their campaign.