Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to illuminate the Premier League's most compelling narratives. This edition covers: - Is Arsenal's defence continuing its upward trajectory?
- How Morgan Rogers is making an immediate impact for Chelsea - Hull City’s underrated defensive stalwart - A player to keep an eye on this weekend Sunday’s showdown at the Emirates pits two of the league’s most polarising units against each other: Arsenal’s near‑impenetrable back line versus Chelsea’s lethal attacking trio. Arsenal have yet to concede a goal this season, extending the clean‑sheet run they finished on in May, while Chelsea have already netted seven times in just two fixtures. **A note on viewing:** For the best video experience, use the Chrome browser.
Arsenal are not alone in stringing together clean sheets; Hull City have also managed to keep their net untouched in consecutive games. Hull’s success has hinged heavily on goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis delivering top‑class performances, whereas Arsenal’s keeper David Raya has been largely a quiet presence, intervening only once with a header from Jack Rudoni that tested his reflexes.
Raya’s contributions last season were vital, but the current Arsenal side possesses an extraordinary ability to limit quality chances. Since the start of last term, they have allowed an expected‑goals (xG) value of less than 0.50 in half of their 40 league matches, a statistic that already includes the opening two games of the new campaign. **Streaming tip:** Sky Sports can be accessed flexibly via the NOW app, delivering a personalised video feed.
No other club comes close to matching Arsenal’s defensive efficiency. Liverpool sit second with eight low‑xG outings, Manchester City managed the feat only twice last season, and Chelsea have recorded four such games so far. Arsenal supporters have voiced frustration over the club’s failure to bolster the attacking line during the summer window. Nevertheless, the defensive metrics underscore a clear gap between the Gunners and their rivals when it comes to denying opponents quality chances.
Even with the absence of key centre‑back William Saliba and the sidelining of Jurrien Timber, Arsenal’s defensive shape has remained remarkably steady during the opening weeks. The club has indeed invested in depth – Ezri Konsa has logged just 11 minutes, while Cristhian Mosquera has stepped in comfortably alongside Gabriel at centre‑back, and Ben White has covered at right‑back.
Midfield depth has also improved, thanks in part to the arrival of Bruno Guimarães, although he, like Konsa, is being introduced gradually. The real engine behind Arsenal’s defensive solidity is the tactical framework laid out by manager Mikel Arteta. Consider that, before the season’s first two fixtures, the back four of White, Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori had never started a Premier League match together, yet they have already displayed cohesion and resilience. This defensive foundation fuels optimism for Arsenal’s quest to retain the Premier League crown, even as they prepare for what may be their toughest test yet – a clash with the free‑scoring Chelsea side.
Chelsea, under Xabi Alonso, will give Arsenal a glimpse of the quality they have struggled to acquire in recent transfer windows. After missing out on Vinícius Júnior and Julián Álvarez, the Gunners also failed to sign Morgan Rogers, who ultimately chose Chelsea. Watching Rogers from the press box at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 4‑3 victory over Brighton, his performance was a vivid reminder of why he was so highly pursued.
Operating on the left – precisely the area where Arsenal have appeared thin – he beat two Brighton defenders to set up the second goal, then executed a deft turn and through‑ball that sparked the third. His blend of technical skill and physical power was evident throughout the match, and similar flashes were seen in Chelsea’s opening win against Fulham. Though some critics argued the £117 million fee was excessive, Rogers appears determined to justify the price tag.
After two games, Rogers already boasts a goal and an assist, a combined shot and chance‑creation tally surpassed only by Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes. The next two names on the list are Cole Palmer and João Pedro, the other members of Chelsea’s front three, who now face the challenge of replicating that threat against a sturdier opponent. For Arsenal, Rogers represents a ‘one that got away’ who may find extra motivation in the upcoming duel. Turning back to Hull, while Tzolakis has been instrumental – conceding an xG of just 1.92, the best underlying figure among Premier League keepers after two games – it would be remiss not to highlight centre‑back John Egan.
The 33‑year‑old, a former Sheffield United player, seemed destined for a lower‑league career before Hull’s unexpected promotion, yet he signed a new contract along with five teammates this week. Egan’s defensive contributions have been staggering: 17 clearances in the opening win over Manchester United and another 10 against Coventry, averaging 13 per match – the highest total in the division.
His work may lack aesthetic flair, but it is undeniably effective. A quick note on Everton: striker Thierno Barry will shoulder the entire goal‑scoring burden against Manchester United after the club’s sale of Beto and failed pursuits of James Ridgeley and Folarin Balogun left them with a solitary attacking option. No pressure, Barry. This weekend, Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League fixtures live: Ipswich versus Liverpool on Friday night, Hull hosting Aston Villa on Saturday, followed by Everton versus Manchester United at 2 p.m.
on Sunday and the headline clash Arsenal versus Chelsea at 4.30 p.m. In previous analysis, I examined United’s vulnerability to corner kicks and the growing threat posed by Ethan Ampadu’s long throws – topics that remain relevant as the season unfolds. Finally, remember to try the Super 6 competition for a chance at a £1 million prize – entry is free.