Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports feature where Nick Wright blends 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 aggressive wing‑back Morgan Rogers was taken aback when he discovered 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 should have taken it,” Palmer replied with a grin. “Don’t mention me – I’m just a spectator,” Rogers added. The banter, captured by Sky Sports cameras before the post‑match interview, highlighted the rapport between the two.
Their on‑field chemistry is just as evident. Have they been playing together forever? “Pretty much,” Rogers answered.
Both players grew up together in England’s youth set‑ups and later at Manchester City’s academy, and they have seamlessly continued that partnership at Chelsea. In just five games they have combined for a total of eleven goals and assists, a tally only Arsenal has managed to keep relatively low.
Their half‑time pep talk 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 Chelsea’s third and sixth goals.
Those inter‑plays have become a recurring theme. Throughout Chelsea’s first five fixtures, Rogers has delivered nearly twice as many passes to Palmer – nineteen in total – as he has to any other teammate.
Only defender Josh Acheampong has received more passes from Palmer, with fifteen. Surprisingly, they have directly combined for just one goal so far, but the potential for more is clear. In the 4‑3 win over Brighton, they alternated creating chances for each other, only to be denied by last‑minute blocks.
In the opening match against Fulham, Rogers produced three shooting opportunities for Palmer, but the striker was unable to finish. Overall, the pair have fashioned nine clear‑cut chances for one another, more than double the output of any other partnership in the league.
The next best duos – Palmer with Joao Pedro and Antoine Semenyo with Erling Haaland – have each produced four. While many expected Palmer to act as the primary provider for Rogers, the early season trend has been the opposite.
Palmer finished last season with a modest return of one goal in thirteen appearances, yet he has already netted four in his first five games, a surge partly attributable to his new teammate’s support. Rogers explained their mutual objectives after his arrival: “We bring different qualities and distinct styles to the game. Ultimately it’s about scoring, creating chances and linking play, and we each do that in our own way.” The differences in their playing styles are evident in how they feed each other. Rogers often looks to thread passes into the space between the opposition’s defensive line and midfield, a zone where Palmer thrives.
Conversely, Palmer tries to exploit Rogers’ runs behind the defence with incisive through‑balls. Xabi Alonso’s system further enhances their interplay. The wing‑backs provide width, allowing Rogers and Palmer to drift inside, sit close together and combine more frequently in central areas. As a result, Chelsea now directs a higher proportion of its attacks through the middle third than any other Premier League side.
Hull City, who travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, will be the next test for the duo. Recent statistics suggest their three‑game clean‑sheet streak could be in jeopardy if Rogers and Palmer continue to create chances at will.
Chelsea’s offensive upgrade with Rogers has been clear, but their midfield reinforcements have not delivered the same impact. One summer departure, a player who moved on to Bournemouth, is now flourishing there. Alex Scott has earned high praise from both Andoni Iraola and Marco Rose.
“I love him,” Rose said after their 2‑2 draw with Newcastle last weekend – the third consecutive match in which they surrendered a late lead, a particularly painful pattern for Scott. The 23‑year‑old, who scored Bournemouth’s opening goal against Everton, was the standout at St James’ Park. He contributed to both Bournemouth goals, logged the most touches, completed the highest number of final‑third passes and won more duels than any of his teammates.
His performances underline a strong start to the season. Scott blends physicality with technical skill, covering ground tirelessly as he shuttles between both penalty areas. There are signs he is taking on greater responsibility, which bodes well for his future prospects.
If he continues at this level, clubs that chased him in the summer window may return with offers in January. For now, Bournemouth will hope he maintains his form when they face Brentford at the Vitality Stadium.
Anan Khalaili has big shoes to fill at Crystal Palace after replacing Daniel Muñoz 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 busier. While he has had a few 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 the league in tackles with seventeen, a remarkable tally given he has only started twice. Brentford’s Igor Thiago, who faces Bournemouth on Saturday, is eager to open his scoring account.
He has accumulated 2.30 expected goals in the first three games without finding the net, the highest xG of any player yet to score. Perhaps his luck will turn soon. Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League matches this weekend.
Saturday kicks off with Tottenham versus Everton, followed by Coventry hosting Brighton at 2 pm on Sunday, 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 (coverage begins at 6.30 pm).
The previous column focused on Arsenal’s improving defence ahead of their clash with Morgan Rogers and Chelsea. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free!