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 main topics: - The dynamic partnership between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer - Scott’s standout performances for Bournemouth - A look at Crystal Palace’s hard‑tackling wing‑back The chemistry between Rogers and Palmer was on full display after Chelsea’s recent victory over Leeds. When Rogers learned that Palmer had been named man of the match, he jokingly protested, "I got four assists, you should have taken it!" Palmer, smiling, replied, "Don’t mention me, I’m just a bystander," to which Rogers added, "I’m just a spectator." The banter, captured by Sky Sports cameras before the post‑match interview, highlighted the ease with which the two communicate on and off the pitch. Both players grew up together in the Manchester City academy, forging a close friendship that has now transferred to Chelsea.
Since joining the Blues, they have combined for an impressive tally of 11 goals and assists in just five league games, a figure only Arsenal has managed to keep relatively low against them. Their synergy was a catalyst for Chelsea’s comeback against Leeds.
Rogers ingeniously flicked the ball off his backside to set up Palmer’s equaliser, and the duo continued to link up for the third and sixth goals. Throughout Chelsea’s first five matches of the season, Rogers has delivered almost twice as many passes to Palmer as to any other teammate – 19 in total – while Palmer’s most frequent recipient has been defender Josh Acheampong with 15 passes. Surprisingly, the pair have only directly combined for a single goal, but they have created nine chances for each other, more than any other partnership in the Premier League.
In the 4‑3 win over Brighton, they repeatedly set each other up, only to be thwarted by last‑minute blocks. In the opening game against Fulham, Rogers fashioned three clear‑cut shooting opportunities for Palmer, who was unable to finish. Statistically, Rogers and Palmer’s partnership tops the league, outpacing notable duos such as Palmer‑João Pedro and Antoine Semenyo‑Erling Haaland, who have each produced four mutual chances. While many expected Palmer to act as the primary provider for Rogers, the early data suggests the opposite: Palmer, who managed just one goal in 13 appearances last season, has already netted four in five games, a surge partly credited to his new teammate’s support.
Rogers explained the mutual benefits of their collaboration: "We bring different qualities and styles to the game. Ultimately it’s about scoring, creating and linking play, and we can each do that in our own way." This philosophy is evident in how they feed each other.
Rogers often looks to thread passes into the space between the opposition’s defensive line and midfield, creating pockets for Palmer to exploit. Conversely, Palmer frequently launches balls into the channels behind the back line, targeting Rogers’ runs. Xabi Alonso’s system further amplifies their connection.
The wing‑backs provide width, allowing Rogers and Palmer to drift inside and operate in close proximity in central areas. As a result, Chelsea now channels a higher proportion of its attacks through the middle third of the pitch than any other club in the division. The next test comes against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Hull have kept three consecutive clean sheets, but the Rogers‑Palmer partnership could prove decisive in breaking that defensive solidity. While Rogers has added firepower to Chelsea’s front line, the club’s attempts to reinforce the midfield have been less fruitful. One notable summer departure, a midfielder who moved to Bournemouth, is thriving under Andoni Iraola’s guidance. Speaking of Bournemouth, Alex Scott has emerged as a key figure.
After a 2‑2 draw with Newcastle, Iraola praised Scott, saying, "I love him." The 23‑year‑old, who scored Bournemouth’s opener against Everton, was the standout player at St James’ Park, registering the most touches, the highest number of final‑third passes and winning more duels than any of his teammates. His blend of physicality and technical skill, combined with relentless work rate, suggests he is ready to shoulder greater responsibility. Scott’s form bodes well for his future.
If he continues at this level, the clubs that chased him during the summer window may return with offers in January. For now, Bournemouth will rely on his consistency as they prepare to face Brentford at the Vitality Stadium. Crystal Palace’s right wing‑back, Anan Khalaili, has big shoes to fill after replacing Daniel Muñoz.
He demonstrated his attacking instincts with a driving run that set up Ben Chilwell’s winning goal against Fulham. Defensively, Khalaili has shown a willingness to engage in one‑on‑one battles, winning the second‑most duels in the league and leading in tackles with 17 successes, despite having started only twice. Across the league, Brentford’s striker Igor Thiago is seeking his first goal after registering an expected‑goals total of 2.30 in three matches – the highest xG for any player yet to score.
The upcoming clash with Bournemouth will be his chance to convert that promise into a concrete tally. Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League fixtures this weekend. Saturday kicks off with Tottenham versus Everton, followed by Coventry hosting Brighton on Sunday at 2 pm, and the Manchester derby – Manchester United versus Manchester City – at 4.30 pm.
Monday Night Football concludes the weekend’s live coverage with Leeds taking on Newcastle at 8 pm, with pre‑game coverage beginning at 6.30 pm. The previous column focused on Arsenal’s increasingly solid defence ahead of their encounter with Morgan Rogers and Chelsea.
As the season progresses, the interplay between emerging talents and seasoned professionals continues to shape the narrative of England’s top flight. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free!