Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports’ analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s agenda includes: - Is Arsenal’s defence continuing its upward trajectory? - The immediate impact Morgan Rogers is having at Chelsea - Hull City’s underrated defensive stalwart - A player worth keeping an eye on this weekend The upcoming Sunday clash at the Emirates pits arguably the league’s most disciplined defence against the most prolific attack.
Arsenal have yet to concede a goal this season, extending the clean‑sheet run they finished with in May, while Chelsea have already found the net seven times across two fixtures. For the best viewing experience, we recommend using Google Chrome to access the video player. Arsenal are not alone in stringing together consecutive shut‑outs; Hull City have also surprised many by keeping clean sheets. Hull’s success has relied heavily on goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis delivering top‑class performances, whereas Arsenal’s keeper David Raya has largely been a quiet presence.
The only shot he has been forced to deal with so far was a header from Jack Rudoni that found the target. Raya was instrumental in last season’s triumph, but Arsenal’s collective ability to suppress quality chances remains remarkable.
Since the start of last season’s Premier League campaign, Arsenal have limited opponents to an expected‑goals (xG) figure of less than 0.50 in 20 of their 40 matches – a statistic that already includes the first two games of the current season. No other club comes close: Liverpool sit second with eight such matches, Manchester City managed the feat twice last term, and Chelsea have recorded four.
Supporters are understandably frustrated by the club’s lack of firepower in the transfer market, yet the defensive metrics underline a clear gap between Arsenal and the rest of the league when it comes to denying chances. The fact that Arsenal have performed at this level despite missing key defender William Saliba and centre‑back Jurrien Timber highlights the depth of the squad. While the club has invested heavily in cover, Ezri Konsa has only logged 11 minutes so far, and Cristhian Mosquera has stepped in comfortably alongside Gabriel at centre‑back, with Ben White covering at right‑back.
Midfield depth has also improved thanks to the arrival of Bruno Guimarães, although, like Konsa, he has been introduced gradually. The true engine behind Arsenal’s defensive solidity, however, lies in the tactical framework established by manager Mikel Arteta. Consider that, before the opening two fixtures of this season, the back four of White, Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori had never started a Premier League match together. Their cohesion and organization have already produced impressive results.
Arsenal’s defensive resilience fuels optimism for their quest to retain the Premier League crown, even as they prepare for what may be their toughest test yet against a high‑scoring Chelsea side. Chelsea, under Xabi Alonso, will showcase the opposite end of the spectrum. After missing out on signings such as Vinícius Júnior and Julián Álvarez, they turned their attention to Morgan Rogers, who chose the Blues over Arsenal. Watching Rogers from the press box at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 4‑3 victory over Brighton, his left‑wing exploits were a vivid reminder of the power and precision that made him a coveted prospect.
He beat two Brighton defenders to create the second goal, then delivered a deft turn and through‑ball that set up the third. Those moments highlighted both his technical skill and physical attributes. Many observers questioned Chelsea’s £117 million outlay for him, but Rogers appears determined to justify the fee. He has already contributed a goal and an assist, and only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes has recorded a higher combined total of shots and chances created in the opening two games.
Chelsea’s other front‑three members, Cole Palmer and João Pedro, also rank near the top of the creative charts. Their challenge now is to replicate that level of threat against a more disciplined Arsenal defence. For Rogers, who slipped through Arsenal’s fingers, this fixture could provide extra motivation. Turning back to Hull City, goalkeeper Tzolakis has been pivotal, conceding an xG of just 1.92 – the best underlying figure among Premier League keepers after two games.
Yet it would be remiss not to mention centre‑back John Egan. The 33‑year‑old, formerly of Sheffield United, may have thought his top‑flight days were behind him before Hull’s unexpected promotion, but he signed a new contract alongside five teammates this week and is delivering consistently.
Egan recorded a remarkable 17 clearances in Hull’s win over Manchester United on the opening weekend, followed by another ten against Coventry, averaging 13 per match – the highest total in the division. His work may not be glamorous, but it is undeniably effective. A word of encouragement for Everton’s lone striker Thierno Barry, who faces Manchester United alone after the club’s sale of Beto and failed pursuits of James Rodriguez and Folarin Balogun turned a chaotic transfer window into a reliance on a single forward.
No pressure, Barry. This weekend, Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League games live.
The slate opens on Friday night with Ipswich versus Liverpool, continues on Saturday with Hull hosting Aston Villa, and concludes on Sunday with two back‑to‑back fixtures: Everton versus Manchester United at 2 p.m., followed by Arsenal versus Chelsea at 4.30 p.m. In previous columns, we examined Manchester United’s struggles defending set‑pieces and the growing threat posed by Ethan Ampadu’s long throws. For those seeking extra excitement, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.