Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports feature where Nick Wright blends statistics and personal insight to illuminate the Premier League stories you need to know. This edition covers three key topics: - The dynamic partnership of Palmer and Rogers - Scott’s standout performances for Bournemouth - A look at Crystal Palace’s aggressive tackler Morgan Rogers was visibly surprised when he learned that Cole Palmer had been named man of the match after Chelsea’s victory over Leeds. "I recorded four assists," Rogers protested.
"I think you deserved it," Palmer replied with a grin. "Don’t mention me – I’m just a bystander," Rogers added, laughing. The banter, captured by Sky Sports cameras before the post‑match interview, highlighted the easy rapport between the two players.
That chemistry is evident on the field as well. Do they feel like long‑time teammates? "We pretty much have," Rogers answered. Both men grew up together in England’s youth set‑ups and later at Manchester City’s academy, and they have quickly re‑established that connection at Chelsea.
In the first five games of the season they have combined for a remarkable eleven goals and assists, a tally only Arsenal have managed to keep relatively low. Their half‑time introductions sparked Chelsea’s comeback on Wednesday. After Rogers cleverly flicked the ball off his backside to set up Palmer’s equaliser, the duo were again involved in the build‑up to the third and sixth goals. These link‑up plays have become a recurring theme.
Across Chelsea’s five league fixtures, Rogers has completed 19 passes to Palmer – almost twice as many as any other teammate – while only defender Josh Acheampong has received more passes from Palmer, with 15. Surprisingly, the pair have directly combined for just one goal so far, but the potential for more is obvious.
In the 4‑3 win over Brighton, they took turns creating chances for each other, only to be denied by last‑minute blocks. In the season opener against Fulham, Rogers fashioned three clear shooting opportunities for Palmer, who was unable to finish. Overall, they have generated nine chances for one another, more than double any other partnership in the Premier League.
The next‑closest duos – Palmer with Joao Pedro and Antoine Semenyo with Erling Haaland – have managed only four each. While many expected Palmer to be the primary provider for Rogers, the early data suggests the reverse has often been true. Palmer ended last season with a modest return of one goal in 13 appearances, yet he has already scored four in five games this term, a surge partly attributable to his new teammate’s service.
Rogers explained their mutual support after his arrival: "We bring different qualities, different styles of play, and different ways of influencing a match. In the end it’s about scoring, creating and linking the game, and we can each do that in our own way." The contrast in their play is evident in how they feed each other. Rogers frequently looks to thread passes into the space between the opposition’s defensive line and midfield, creating pockets for Palmer to exploit. Conversely, Palmer often attempts to launch balls into the channels behind the defense, targeting Rogers’ runs.
Xabi Alonso’s system further amplifies their partnership. The wing‑backs provide width, allowing Rogers and Palmer to drift inside and operate in close proximity in central areas, increasing the frequency of their combinations. As a result, Chelsea now directs a higher proportion of its attacks through the middle third of the pitch than any other club in the league.
Their next challenge comes against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Hull have kept three consecutive clean sheets, but the Rogers‑Palmer duo could test that defensive solidity. Chelsea’s offensive reinforcement with Rogers has been clear, yet their attempts to upgrade the midfield have been less fruitful.
One summer signing who slipped away continues to excel at Bournemouth. Alex Scott has become a favourite of Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, and Marco Rose shares that sentiment.
"I love him," Rose said after their 2‑2 draw with Newcastle last weekend – the third straight game in which Bournemouth surrendered a late lead, a situation that hit Scott particularly hard. The 23‑year‑old, who scored Bournemouth’s opener against Everton in the previous match, was the standout player at St James’ Park.
He contributed to both goals, logged the most touches, delivered the most final‑third passes, and won more duels than any teammate. His early‑season form underscores a blend of physicality and technique. He works tirelessly, covering ground between both penalty areas, and appears to be taking on increasing responsibility. If he maintains this trajectory, clubs that pursued him in the summer may return with offers in the January window.
For now, Bournemouth will hope he continues his strong display when they face Brentford at the Vitality Stadium. At Crystal Palace, Anan Khalaili has big shoes to fill after replacing Daniel Munoz on the right wing‑back. He demonstrated his attacking instincts with a driving run that set up Ben Chilwell’s winning goal against Fulham last weekend. Defensively, Khalaili has been busy.
Though he has had occasional awkward moments, he relishes one‑on‑one battles and usually comes out on top. He currently ranks second in the division for duels won and leads in tackles, with 17 – a five‑tackle margin over the next best player – despite having started only twice. Brentford striker Igor Thiago will face Bournemouth on Saturday, hoping to open his goal account.
He has accumulated an expected‑goals total of 2.30 after three games without scoring, the highest xG of any player yet to find the net. Perhaps his luck will turn soon. Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League matches this weekend.
Saturday’s lineup begins with Tottenham versus Everton. Sunday features Coventry hosting Brighton at 2 pm, followed by the Manchester derby – Manchester United versus Manchester City – at 4:30 pm.
Monday Night Football concludes the weekend with Leeds hosting Newcastle at 8 pm, with coverage starting at 6:30 pm. The previous column focused on Arsenal’s increasingly solid defence ahead of their clash with Morgan Rogers and Chelsea. Don’t miss the chance to win £1 million by playing Super 6 – entry is free!