Yasin Ayari Shines Despite Brighton Heartbreak At Fulham

Gameweek 24 of the 2025-26 Fantasy Premier League season delivered all the drama and unpredictability fans have come to expect, with Brighton’s Yasin Ayari firmly in the spotlight. The Swedish midfielder, who has gradually become a linchpin under manager Fabian Hurzeler, electrified supporters and FPL managers alike by netting a thunderous goal against Fulham at Craven Cottage. For those following Ayari’s journey, this was more than just another strike—it marked a turning point for a player once criticized for not contributing enough in front of goal.

Ayari’s moment arrived in the 28th minute. Olivier Boscagli, making a rare Premier League start, slipped the ball to Ayari just inside the box. With little hesitation, Ayari unleashed a powerful drive that left Fulham’s Bernd Leno helpless. According to Fantasy Football Scout, “Ayari broke the deadlock on 28 minutes with a strike hit early and with so much power that Bernd Leno could not keep it out.” That goal was Ayari’s second in his last five matches, a period in which he also registered two assists. Suddenly, the narrative around the young Swede shifted from questions about his attacking output to excitement about his emerging consistency.

Yet, as Brighton fans know all too well, football can be cruel. Despite Ayari’s heroics, the Seagulls left London empty-handed. Fulham, who have proven to be a nemesis for Brighton—just one point from six Premier League visits at Craven Cottage—snatched victory in the dying seconds. Harry Wilson, always a threat from set pieces, stepped up in stoppage time and curled a free kick beyond the Brighton wall and past Jason Steele. “Wilson wins it at the end for Fulham,” reported We Are Brighton, capturing the heartbreak that followed a performance where Brighton arguably deserved more.

The statistics tell a story of dominance that went unrewarded. Brighton led Fulham in total attempts (13-12), shots inside the box (10-5), and clear-cut chances (4-2). The Seagulls’ attacking intent was evident throughout, with Pascal Gross orchestrating play and delivering 10 crosses, several finding Lewis Dunk, who threatened from set pieces. Still, Gross finished the match without an assist, a testament to the fine margins that defined the contest.

After Ayari’s opener, Fulham responded in the 72nd minute, leveling the scoreline and setting up a tense finish. Brighton’s Danny Welbeck thought he had restored the lead almost immediately, only for VAR to intervene and rule out his goal for a razor-thin offside. Welbeck had further chances, including a shot from a Kaoru Mitoma assist that he put wide and a fierce effort that forced Leno into a spectacular save. As the minutes ticked away, it seemed Brighton would at least secure a draw, but Wilson’s late magic ensured otherwise.

Ayari’s resurgence is all the more impressive considering the bumps in his campaign. He started 16 of Brighton’s first 21 Premier League fixtures, but his absence as an unused substitute in Gameweek 22 against Bournemouth raised eyebrows. Rather than sulk, Ayari responded in style, scoring on his return and setting the tone for his recent productive spell. As noted by Fantasy Football Scout, “He responded in the best possible manner to that disappointment by notching on his return.”

For Fantasy Premier League managers, Ayari’s value proposition is hard to ignore. Priced at just £4.8 million, he’s become a popular pick for those seeking a budget midfielder with attacking upside. His stats are eye-catching: among the top FPL players for long-range shots, Ayari has taken 39 shots this season, though surprisingly none have been classified as ‘big chances.’ Still, his ability to find the net from distance adds an unpredictable edge to both Brighton’s attack and FPL squads looking for a differential.

This latest round of Premier League action was chaotic in more ways than one. Key players like Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Hugo Ekitike, Cole Palmer, and Bruno Guimaraes were all absent or benched, leaving managers scrambling for alternatives. Arsenal’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United shifted the FPL landscape, with United’s Bruno Fernandes becoming the most-bought player for Gameweek 23. Fernandes’s popularity continues to surge as United, under interim boss Michael Carrick, have strung together back-to-back wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.

With so many big names missing, few high-owned players delivered major returns in Gameweek 23. Wilson’s late winner for Fulham and Antoine Semenyo’s goal stood out, but midfielders like Dominik Szoboszlai and Estevao led the way with 13 points apiece, combining a goal with an assist. Forwards Jarrod Bowen and Joao Pedro also impressed, though they fell just short of the midfield duo’s points haul.

Looking ahead, FPL managers face critical decisions as Gameweek 24 approaches. Many who gambled on captains other than Haaland in the previous round were left disappointed, as alternatives like Bukayo Saka, Igor Thiago, and Ekitike failed to deliver. The temptation to revert to Haaland is strong—he’s scored three goals in his last two visits to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, making him a favored option for the armband. There’s also growing interest in United and Chelsea attackers, with both teams facing favorable fixtures against Fulham and West Ham respectively.

Brighton’s defeat at Fulham may sting, but Ayari’s performance offers a silver lining. His rise under Hurzeler has been marked by resilience and a newfound knack for decisive contributions. As We Are Brighton put it, “Ayari continuing in that vein by weighing in with regular attacking returns over the remainder of the season would be good news for Brighton—and good news for FPL managers looking for a reasonably-priced midfielder.”

For those eyeing a Wildcard or seeking a budget-friendly midfield addition, Ayari’s form and underlying statistics make him a compelling option. His story—one of criticism, perseverance, and emerging stardom—mirrors the unpredictable nature of the Premier League itself.

As the FPL season barrels forward, expert guidance from platforms like Fantasy Football Scout will prove invaluable. The ever-changing landscape, punctuated by surprise absences, VAR drama, and last-minute winners, ensures that every decision counts. For Brighton, the focus will be on converting strong performances into points. For Ayari, the challenge is to sustain this purple patch and keep dazzling both fans and FPL managers alike.

For now, Brighton supporters and fantasy enthusiasts will be watching closely. If Ayari can maintain this level, he could become one of the stories of the season—on the pitch and in the fantasy world. The next few weeks promise more twists, turns, and, perhaps, more spectacular goals from the Swedish sensation.