Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with his own insights to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s focus includes: - Is Arsenal’s back line continuing its upward trajectory?
- Morgan Rogers making an immediate impact for Chelsea - Hull City’s underrated defensive stalwart - A player to keep an eye on this weekend On Sunday, the Emirates will host what many are calling the clash of the season’s most efficient defence against the league’s most lethal attack. Arsenal have yet to concede a goal this campaign, extending the clean‑sheet run they finished on in May, while Chelsea have already found the net seven times in just two fixtures. For the best video experience, use Chrome. Arsenal are not alone in stringing together consecutive shut‑outs.
Hull City have also managed to keep their net untouched, defying the low expectations that surrounded their promotion. Hull’s success has relied heavily on goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis delivering top‑flight performances, whereas Arsenal’s keeper David Raya has largely been a calm presence, stepping in only when needed.
In fact, the only shot on target he has faced so far was a header from Jack Rudoni, which he comfortably saved. Raya was a key figure in Arsenal’s title‑winning campaign last season, but the team’s collective ability to limit quality chances remains extraordinary.
Since the start of last term, Arsenal have permitted an expected‑goals (xG) value of less than 0.50 in 20 of 40 league matches – a statistic that already includes the opening two games of the new season. If you have Sky, you can watch the full analysis on the Sky Sports app; otherwise, instant access without a contract is available.
No other side comes close to matching Arsenal’s defensive record. Liverpool sit second with eight low‑xG games, Manchester City – last season’s runners‑up – have managed it only twice, and Chelsea have just four such performances. Arsenal supporters are understandably frustrated by the club’s lack of firepower in the recent transfer window, yet the defensive metrics underline a clear gap between the Gunners and the rest of the league when they are out of possession.
The fact that Arsenal have performed so well despite missing key defenders such as William Saliba and Jurrien Timber speaks volumes about the depth and resilience they have built. The club have invested heavily in cover: Ezri Konsa has logged merely 11 minutes so far, while Cristhian Mosquera has stepped in confidently alongside Gabriel at centre‑back, and Ben White has filled the right‑back slot when required. Midfield depth has also improved, thanks in large part to the arrival of Bruno Guimarães, who, like Konsa, is being introduced gradually to preserve fitness and cohesion. The cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive solidity is the tactical framework laid down by manager Mikel Arteta.
Remarkably, before the season opener, the back four of Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel and the newly‑signed Riccardo Calafiori had never started a Premier League match together, yet they have already demonstrated an impressive level of understanding and organization. This defensive foundation gives Arsenal a reason to be optimistic about their quest to retain the Premier League crown, even as they prepare for what many label their toughest test yet – a showdown with the free‑scoring Chelsea side.
Chelsea, under Xabi Alonso, will provide Arsenal with a glimpse of the kind of pressure they will face at the opposite end of the pitch. Before the club’s unsuccessful attempts to sign Vinícius Júnior and Julián Álvarez, they also missed out on Morgan Rogers, who chose to join the Blues. Watching Rogers from the press box at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 4‑3 victory over Brighton, one could see why he was so highly coveted. Operating on the left flank – a position where Arsenal have appeared thin – he beat two Brighton defenders to set up Chelsea’s second goal, then delivered a deft turn and through‑ball that launched the break for their third.
Those moments showcased his blend of technical skill and physical power, confirming the hype surrounding his £117 million transfer. Rogers has already contributed a goal and an assist, and only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has a higher combined total of shots and chances created across the opening two games. His teammates Cole Palmer and João Pedro sit close behind, and the challenge now is to replicate that threat against a defensively disciplined Arsenal.
Rogues’ early success may give him extra motivation against the side that let him slip away. Turning back to Hull’s defensive story, while Tzolakis’ low xG‑against of 1.92 makes him the best‑performing goalkeeper in the opening two fixtures, centre‑back John Egan also deserves mention. The 33‑year‑old, formerly of Sheffield United, seemed to be nearing the end of his Premier League journey before Hull’s surprise promotion, yet he signed a new contract along with five teammates this week. Egan recorded an impressive 17 clearances in Hull’s win over Manchester United and added another ten against Coventry, averaging 13 clearances per game – the highest total in the division.
His work may not be glamorous, but it is undeniably effective, and Hull will hope to continue that level of defensive discipline when they host Aston Villa on Sunday. A quick note on Everton: striker Thierno Barry will carry the one‑man attacking burden against Manchester United after the club’s sale of Beto and failed pursuits of James Rodriguez and Folarin Balogun left them with limited options up front.
No pressure, Thierno. This weekend, Sky Sports will broadcast four live Premier League matches, starting with Ipswich versus Liverpool on Friday night. Saturday’s evening kick‑off features Hull hosting Aston Villa, followed by a Sunday double‑header: Everton versus Manchester United at 14:00, and Arsenal versus Chelsea at 16:30. In a previous column, we examined Manchester United’s vulnerability on set‑pieces and the growing threat posed by Ethan Ampadu’s long throws, topics that remain relevant as the season progresses.
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