Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports feature where Nick Wright mixes statistics and personal insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s agenda includes: - A deep‑dive into the Palmer‑Rogers partnership - Scott’s standout performances for Bournemouth - A look at Crystal Palace’s hard‑tackling wing‑back Morgan Rogers was clearly surprised when he discovered that Cole Palmer had been named man of the match after Chelsea’s victory over Leeds. “I got four assists,” Rogers protested.
“I think you should have taken it,” he added. Palmer, with a grin, replied, “Don’t bring me up. I was just watching from the sidelines.” Rogers then added, “I’m just a bystander.” The banter, caught on Sky Sports cameras just before the post‑match interview, revealed the natural chemistry between the two.
That rapport is evident on the pitch as well. Do they feel like long‑time teammates? “We pretty much have,” Rogers answered. Both players grew up together in England’s youth set‑ups and later at Manchester City’s academy before re‑uniting at Chelsea.
Since linking up, they have been a constant source of trouble for opposition defences, operating on either side of João Pedro and contributing a combined total of eleven goals and assists in just five league fixtures. Their synchronised movements were a catalyst for Chelsea’s comeback on Wednesday. After Rogers ingeniously flicked the ball off his backside to set up Palmer’s equaliser, the duo continued to combine in the build‑up to the third and sixth goals of the match. These inter‑plays have become a recurring theme.
In Chelsea’s first five games of the season, Rogers has completed 19 passes to Palmer – almost twice as many as to any other teammate. The only player receiving more passes from Palmer is defender Josh Acheampong, who has been on the receiving end of 15 of his deliveries.
Surprisingly, the pair have directly combined for only one goal so far. However, the potential for more is evident. In the thrilling 4‑3 win over Brighton, they took turns setting each other up, only to be thwarted by last‑minute blocks. In the season‑opening clash with Fulham, Rogers created three clear‑cut shooting chances for Palmer, but the striker was unable to finish.
Overall, they have generated nine goal‑creating opportunities for one another – a figure that more than doubles the output of any other partnership in the Premier League. The next best duos – including Palmer with João Pedro and Antoine Semenyo with Erling Haaland – have managed only four such chances each.
While many expected Palmer to act as the primary supplier for Rogers, the early data suggests the reverse has been true. Palmer finished last season with a modest return of one goal in 13 appearances, yet this term he has already netted four in five games, a surge largely attributable to his new teammate’s influence. Rogers explained the mutual benefits of their relationship after his arrival at Chelsea: “We bring different qualities and playstyles to the game. In the end, it’s about scoring, creating and linking play.
We each do that in our own way.” The contrast in their approaches is evident in how they feed each other. Rogers often looks to thread the ball into the space between the opposition’s defensive line and midfield, a zone where Palmer thrives.
Conversely, Palmer attempts to exploit the gaps behind the defence with passes that trigger Rogers’ forward runs. Xabi Alonso’s tactical system further enhances their partnership.
The wing‑backs provide width, allowing Rogers and Palmer to drift inside and operate in close proximity. This freedom creates abundant opportunities for central combinations and makes Chelsea’s attacks heavily centred on the middle third of the pitch – more so than any other Premier League side. Next up for Chelsea is Hull City, who will visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Hull have kept three consecutive clean sheets, but the incoming onslaught from Rogers and Palmer could put that defensive record in jeopardy. Chelsea’s recent signing of Rogers has clearly bolstered their attacking options, yet their attempts to reinforce the midfield have been less fruitful. One midfielder who slipped away during the summer transfer window has flourished at Bournemouth. Alex Scott, highly praised by Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and also admired by Marco Rose, has become a key figure for the Cherries.
After their 2‑2 draw with Newcastle, Iraola said, “I love him.” The 23‑year‑old, who scored Bournemouth’s opener against Everton, was the standout player at St James’ Park. He was involved in both Bournemouth goals, recorded the most touches, delivered the highest number of final‑third passes, and won more duels than any of his teammates. Scott’s performances underline a strong start to the season.
He blends physicality with technical skill, tirelessly shuttling between the penalty areas, and appears to be taking on greater responsibility. If he maintains this level, the clubs that chased him in the summer market may return with offers in the January window. For now, Bournemouth will hope he continues to deliver when they face Brentford at the Vitality Stadium.
At Crystal Palace, Anan Khalaili has big shoes to fill after replacing Daniel Muñoz on the right wing‑back. He demonstrated his attacking potential with a driving run that set up Ben Chilwell’s winning goal against Fulham last weekend.
Defensively, Khalaili has been busy. While he has had a few awkward moments, he relishes one‑on‑one battles and usually comes out on top. In fact, he currently ranks second in the division for duels won and leads the league in successful tackles with 17 – a remarkable tally given he has started only twice.
This weekend Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League matches live. The slate opens with Tottenham hosting Everton on Saturday evening. Sunday’s action features Coventry against Brighton at 2 pm, followed by the Manchester derby – Manchester United versus Manchester City – at 4.30 pm. The weekend’s live coverage concludes with Monday Night Football, where Leeds welcome Newcastle for an 8 pm kick‑off, with pre‑match coverage beginning at 6.30 pm.
The previous edition of The Radar focused on Arsenal’s increasingly solid defence ahead of their clash with Morgan Rogers and Chelsea. Finally, remember you can play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.