Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories that matter. This edition covers three main topics: Bruno Fernandes' chase for an assist record, the search for a right‑back solution by manager Arne Slot, and a player to keep an eye on this weekend. Bruno Fernandes edged closer to a historic Premier League benchmark when his precise pass set up Benjamin Sesko's breakaway strike in Manchester United's 2‑1 victory over Brentford on Monday.
That assist placed him just one tally away from equalling Kevin De Bruyne's 2019/20 season total for Manchester City and Thierry Henry's 2002/03 figure for Arsenal. With four league fixtures remaining – Liverpool, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton – the Portuguese midfielder has a realistic chance of surpassing both legends. Since arriving from Sporting Lisbon in January 2020, Fernandes has become United's creative engine, but his current haul of 19 assists marks his most prolific single‑season output.
If he maintains his current rate, he could finish the campaign on 22 assists, a figure that would comfortably eclipse the records held by De Bruyne and Henry. The statistics underline just how far ahead Fernandes sits this season.
His 19 assists are almost double the next best tally, shared by Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, each with ten. The gap widens further when looking at chances created: Fernandes has crafted 114 opportunities, dwarfing Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai and Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who sit at 61 each.
In the Opta‑defined "big chances created" category, he leads with 28, again well ahead of his peers. A significant portion of his assist total stems from set‑piece delivery – ten of his 19 assists have come from free‑kicks or corners.
By comparison, Henry and De Bruyne each recorded only two or three set‑piece assists in their record‑setting seasons. Nonetheless, Fernandes is not merely a dead‑ball specialist; he also tops the league for open‑play chances created, underscoring his all‑round creativity. Assists can be influenced by a teammate’s finishing ability, so analysts also look at expected assists (xA) to gauge the quality of chances a player generates.
Fernandes leads the Premier League in xA, indicating that the opportunities he fashions are of the highest caliber. His impact was evident earlier in the season when, during a corner at Anfield in October, he delivered a perfectly weighted volleyed cross with the instep of his right foot.
Harry Maguire rose to meet the ball and headed home the decisive goal, illustrating how Fernandes' set‑piece expertise can directly influence outcomes. If he repeats a similar contribution against Liverpool on Super Sunday, he will not only tie a 23‑year‑old record but also strengthen his case for the league's Player of the Year award. The column also touches on Liverpool’s right‑back dilemma.
Curtis Jones, primarily a midfielder, has been deployed in the role following injuries to the club’s regular options. Although not a long‑term solution, his performances against Crystal Palace and Everton have earned him praise.
Head coach Arne Slot noted, "He has hardly played in that position in his career, but the way he does it is a big compliment." Jones’ adaptability has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s possession game, and his passing range was highlighted by a through‑ball assist for Andrew Robertson’s goal against Palace – one of 149 passes he completed across two matches, the highest total by any Liverpool player in that span. Veteran defender Virgil van Dijk also lauded Jones, stating, "Curtis was outstanding against Everton, especially in possession; he was a real game‑changer." While Liverpool continue to search for a permanent right‑back, Jones’ willingness to embrace the challenge provides a useful stop‑gap. Further Premier League fixtures are outlined for readers: Bournemouth’s Junior Kroupi, who has netted three times in his last four outings, faces Crystal Palace on Sunday and is expected to attract interest in the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal and Fulham clash in the Saturday Night Football slot, with Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event broadcasting from 5 pm. Bournemouth meets Crystal Palace at 2 pm on Sky Sports+, preceding the marquee Super Sunday fixtures where Manchester United and Liverpool meet at Old Trafford at 3.30 pm.
On Monday, Chelsea travel to Nottingham Forest for a 3 pm kick‑off, followed by Everton’s 8 pm showdown with Manchester City, with coverage beginning at 6.30 pm on Sky Sports. The column also revisits Arsenal’s title hopes against Manchester City, noting that recent injuries – including a setback for Kai Havertz – have complicated their challenge. Finally, readers are reminded of the Sky Sports Super 6 competition, offering a chance to win £250,000 for free.