Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories that matter most. This edition covers four key topics: - Is Arsenal's defence continuing its upward trajectory? - How Morgan Rogers is making an immediate impact at Chelsea - Hull City’s underrated defensive contributions - A player worth keeping an eye on this weekend The upcoming Sunday clash at the Emirates pits what many consider the league’s most solid defence against the most potent 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.
**Streaming note:** For the best viewing experience, use the Chrome browser to access the video player. Arsenal are not alone in stringing together clean sheets.
Hull City have also managed back‑to‑back shut‑outs, defying pre‑season expectations. Hull’s success has largely hinged on goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis delivering top‑flight performances, whereas Arsenal’s keeper David Raya has so far been a quieter presence. In fact, Raya’s only direct test came from a Jack Rudoni header that narrowly missed the target. Raya was instrumental in Arsenal’s title‑winning campaign last season, and his continued composure contributes to a side that consistently suppresses opposition chances.
Since the start of last term, Arsenal have limited opponents to an expected‑goals (xG) figure of under 0.50 in half of their games – 20 out of 40 matches – a statistic that already includes the first two games of the current season. No other club even approaches that total; Liverpool sit second with eight such matches, Manchester City managed just two last year, 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. Even without their star centre‑back William Saliba and regular starter Jurrien Timber, the team’s defensive shape has remained largely unaffected during the opening weeks. The club has made significant investments to provide depth. Ezri Konsa has logged only 11 minutes so far, while Cristian Mosquera has stepped in confidently alongside Gabriel at centre‑back, and Ben White has covered the right‑back slot.
Midfield depth has also been bolstered by the arrival of Bruno Guimarães, who, like Konsa, is being introduced gradually. The cornerstone of Arsenal’s defensive excellence is the tactical framework laid down by manager Mikel Arteta. Remarkably, before the season began, the back four of White, Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori had never started a Premier League match together, yet they have already shown cohesion and resilience. This solidity fuels optimism for Arsenal’s title defence, especially as they prepare for what promises to be their toughest test yet: a high‑scoring Chelsea side led by Xabi Alonso’s attacking philosophy.
The match also offers a glimpse into what could have been for Arsenal had they secured Morgan Rogers, who ultimately chose Chelsea. From a press‑box seat at Stamford Bridge during Chelsea’s 4‑3 victory over Brighton, Rogers demonstrated why he was such a coveted target. Operating on the left flank – an area where Arsenal have appeared thin – he beat two defenders to create the second goal and then delivered a precise turn and through‑ball that sparked the third. His blend of technical skill and physical power was on full display, echoing the impact he made in Chelsea’s earlier win over Fulham, a performance that has sparked debate over whether the £117 million fee was justified.
Rogers has already contributed a goal and an assist, placing him just behind Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes in combined shots and chances created across the opening two fixtures. Fellow Chelsea attackers Cole Palmer and João Pedro follow closely, and their challenge will be to replicate that threat against a defensively disciplined Arsenal.
For Rogers, the memory of being Arsenal’s ‘one that got away’ may provide extra motivation. Turning back to Hull City, goalkeeper Tzolakis boasts an xG‑against of just 1.92, the best underlying metric among Premier League keepers after two games.
Yet it would be incomplete without acknowledging centre‑back John Egan. The 33‑year‑old, formerly of Sheffield United, seemed destined for a quiet return to the Championship, but he signed a new contract alongside five teammates and has been pivotal for Hull. Egan recorded a staggering 17 clearances in the opening win over Manchester United and added another ten against Coventry, averaging 13 per match – the highest total in the division. His work may lack aesthetic flair, but its effectiveness is undeniable.
A brief note on Everton: striker Thierno Barry will shoulder the burden of a lone‑forward line after the club’s sale of Beto and failed pursuits of James Rodriguez and Folarin Balogun. The pressure will be immense, but the opportunity to shine is equally great. This weekend, Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League games live: Ipswich vs Liverpool on Friday night, Hull hosting Aston Villa on Saturday, and on Sunday, Everton face Manchester United at 2 pm followed by the Arsenal‑Chelsea showdown at 4.30 pm.
In previous analysis, we examined United’s vulnerability to corner kicks and the growing threat posed by Ethan Ampadu’s long throws. Finally, don’t miss the chance to play Super 6 for a shot at £1 million – entry is free.