Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports’ analytical column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with his own take to highlight the Premier League narratives you need to follow. 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 under‑appreciated defensive workhorse - A player worth keeping an eye on this weekend The upcoming Sunday showdown at the Emirates pits what many are calling the league’s most disciplined defence against the most potent attack. Arsenal have yet to concede a goal this season, extending the clean‑sheet run they finished on in May, while Chelsea have already found the net seven times across two fixtures.
**Note:** For the best video experience, use Google Chrome. Arsenal are not the sole club to string together consecutive shut‑outs. Hull City, against all odds, have matched that feat.
Hull’s solidity has largely rested on goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis delivering top‑flight performances, whereas Arsenal’s keeper David Raya has enjoyed a relatively quiet week, facing only a single on‑target header from Jack Rudoni. Raya’s contributions were pivotal to last season’s triumph, and Arsenal’s collective ability to limit genuine chances remains impressive. Since the start of last season’s Premier League campaign, Arsenal have allowed an expected‑goals (xG) value of under 0.50 in half of their matches – 20 out of 40 games – a statistic that already includes the first two fixtures of the current campaign. No other side comes close: Liverpool sit second with eight games meeting the same benchmark, Manchester City managed it only twice, and Chelsea have done so four times.
Supporters are understandably frustrated by the club’s lack of firepower in the transfer market, yet the defensive numbers underline a clear gap between Arsenal and the rest of the league when they are out of possession. The resilience of the back line is even more striking given the early‑season absences of key centre‑backs William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. Their missing minutes have barely registered in Arsenal’s defensive record so far.
The club has bolstered depth with signings such as Ezri Konsa, who has logged just 11 minutes, and Cristhian Mosquera, who has stepped in comfortably alongside Gabriel at centre‑half, while Ben White has filled in at right‑back. Midfield depth has also improved thanks to the arrival of Bruno Guimarães, though, like Konsa, he has been introduced gradually.
The cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive prowess lies in the tactical framework laid out by manager Mikel Arteta. Remarkably, before the season opened, the back four of White, Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori had never started a Premier League game together, yet they have already produced a unit that looks cohesive and difficult to breach. This defensive solidity gives Arsenal optimism as they chase a second consecutive Premier League title, even though they now face their toughest test yet against a Chelsea side that scores freely.
Chelsea, under Xabi Alonso, will provide Arsenal with a glimpse of the intensity they will encounter at the opposite end of the pitch. Prior to their unsuccessful attempts to secure Vinícius Júnior and Julián Álvarez, the Gunners missed out on Morgan Rogers, who chose Chelsea instead.
Watching Rogers from the press box at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 4‑3 victory over Brighton, you could see why he was so highly coveted. Operating on the left – a position where Arsenal appear thin – he beat two Brighton defenders to set up the second goal, then executed a turn and a through‑ball that sparked the third. Those moments showcased his blend of technical skill and physical power, echoing the displays that made him a target for numerous top clubs. Rogers has already contributed a goal and an assist, and only Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes boasts a higher combined total of shots and chances created across the opening two games.
It is no surprise that his Chelsea teammates Cole Palmer and João Pedro sit near the top of the same list; their challenge now is to replicate that threat against a far stronger opponent. Rogers, the Arsenal player who slipped away, may find extra motivation in proving his worth.
Turning back to Hull’s defensive record, while Tzolakis has been instrumental – posting an xG‑against of 1.92, the best underlying metric among Premier League goalkeepers after two games – it would be remiss not to highlight centre‑back John Egan. The 33‑year‑old, formerly of Sheffield United, seemed destined for a career outside the top flight before Hull’s unexpected promotion, yet he was among six Hull players who secured improved contracts this week and has been a key figure. Egan produced an astonishing 17 clearances in Hull’s opening‑week win over Manchester United and followed that with another ten against Coventry, averaging 13 clearances per match – the highest total in the division. His work may not be glamorous, but it is undeniably effective.
A quick note on Everton: striker Thierno Barry will carry the one‑man attack against Manchester United after the club’s sale of Beto and failed pursuits of James Richardson and Folarin Balogun left him as the sole forward option. No pressure, Barry.
This weekend, Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League fixtures live. Friday night kicks off with Ipswich versus Liverpool, followed on Saturday by Hull hosting Aston Villa. Sunday’s double‑header features Everton against Manchester United at 14:00, then Arsenal versus Chelsea at 16:30.
In a previous column, we examined Manchester 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 you can play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.