Fabian Hurzeler explains reason for Charalampos Kostoulas change in Brighton's cup exit
Yasin Ayari replaced Charalampos Kostoulas at half-time in Brighton's defeat to Arsenal.
30.10.25, 09:51 Updated 22.05.26, 14:50 2 Minute Read
Charlie Parker-Turner
Fabian Hurzeler has revealed that Charalampos Kostoulas was replaced at half-time in Brighton’s 2-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup because of a ‘physical reason’.
The Greek youngster has impressed in recent matches, scoring on his Premier League debut against Manchester United and showing plenty of promise at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
Thus, eyebrows were raised when Yasin Ayari replaced Kostoulas at half-time against the Gunners at 0-0, with Diego Gomez being moved into the left-wing role which the 18-year-old had occupied.
Gomez failed to make any sort of impact in the role, and Brighton struggled to create many chances after Kostoulas had left the pitch, leaving some to ponder the thinking behind the half-time rejig.
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Charlie Parker-Turner Editor