Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports feature where Nick Wright mixes statistics with personal insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This edition covers three main topics: - The dynamic partnership of Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer - Scott’s standout performances for Bournemouth - A look at Crystal Palace’s aggressive wing‑back When Morgan Rogers discovered that Cole Palmer had been named man of the match after Chelsea’s victory over Leeds, he was understandably surprised. "I registered four assists," Rogers protested. "I think you deserved the award," Palmer replied with a grin.
"Don’t mention me – I’m just a spectator," Rogers added, jokingly. The banter, captured by Sky Sports cameras before their post‑match interview, highlighted the natural chemistry between the two teammates. Their on‑field connection suggests they have been playing together for ages.
"We pretty much have," Rogers confirmed. Both players grew up in the same youth setups at England’s national squads and Manchester City, and they have now re‑united at Chelsea.
Since joining the Blues, they have combined for an impressive eleven goal contributions – goals and assists – across just five league fixtures. So far, only Arsenal have managed to limit their impact. Their synergy was evident in Chelsea’s comeback on Wednesday.
After Rogers ingeniously flicked the ball off his backside to set up Palmer’s equaliser, the duo were also involved in the build‑up to the third and sixth goals. Those link‑up plays have become a recurring theme for the team.
Statistically, Rogers has already supplied nearly twice as many passes to Palmer as any other teammate – 19 in total – while only defender Josh Acheampong has received more passes from Palmer (15). Despite the high number of interactions, they have directly combined for just one goal so far, a figure that could easily rise as the season progresses. In the 4‑3 win over Brighton, the pair took turns setting each other up, only to be denied by last‑minute blocks.
In the opening match against Fulham, Rogers created three clear shooting chances for Palmer, but the striker was unable to finish. Overall, they have generated nine chances for one another, more than double the tally of any other partnership in the Premier League. The next‑closest duos – such as Palmer with João Pedro and Antoine Semenyo with Erling Haaland – have produced only four chances each.
While many expected Palmer to be the primary creator for Rogers, the opposite has been true so far. Palmer struggled for goals last season, scoring only once in 13 appearances, but he has already netted four times in his first five games this term, a surge partly credited to his new teammate’s support. Rogers explained their mutual objectives after his arrival at Chelsea: "We bring different qualities and styles to the game.
Ultimately it’s about scoring, creating chances and linking play. We each do that in our own way." This complementary approach is reflected in how they feed each other. Rogers often looks to thread passes into the space between the opposition’s defensive line and midfield, providing Palmer with room to operate.
Conversely, Palmer attempts to exploit Rogers’ runs behind the back line with through‑balls aimed at his forward momentum. Xabi Alonso’s tactical system also benefits the partnership.
The wing‑backs supply width, allowing Rogers and Palmer to drift inside and operate in close proximity. This creates frequent central‑area interactions and makes Chelsea one of the most centrally‑focused attacking sides in the league, with a higher proportion of attacks launched through the middle third than any other team. The next test for the duo comes against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Hull have kept three consecutive clean sheets, but their defensive solidity may be tested by the Rogers‑Palmer combination.
Chelsea’s recent signing of Rogers has clearly bolstered their attack, but their attempts to strengthen the midfield have been less fruitful. One notable summer departure, a midfielder who joined Bournemouth, has continued to thrive, underscoring the fine margins of transfer decisions. Turning to Bournemouth, Alex Scott has impressed both manager Andoni Iraola and former Chelsea boss Marco Rose.
After a 2‑2 draw with Newcastle, Rose praised Scott, saying, "I love him." The 23‑year‑old, who scored Bournemouth’s opening goal against Everton, was the standout player at St James’ Park, contributing to both goals, registering the most touches, delivering the most final‑third passes and winning more duels than any teammate. Scott’s blend of physicality and technical skill has been evident from the season’s start. He works tirelessly, covering ground between both penalty areas, and appears to be taking on greater responsibility within the squad.
If he maintains this level, the clubs that pursued him in the summer window may return with offers in the January transfer period. For now, Bournemouth will hope he continues his form when they face Brentford at the Vitality Stadium. At Crystal Palace, Anan Khalaili has inherited the right wing‑back role from Daniel Munoz. He demonstrated his attacking potential with a driving run that set up Ben Chilwell’s winning goal against Fulham last weekend.
Defensively, Khalaili has shown resilience, relishing one‑on‑one battles and emerging victorious more often than not. Statistically, Khalaili ranks second in the division for duels won and leads the league in tackles, with 17 successful challenges – a remarkable feat given he has only started twice.
His aggressive style adds a valuable dimension to Palace’s defensive structure. Meanwhile, Brentford striker Igor Thiago prepares to face Bournemouth on Saturday. Despite an expected‑goals (xG) total of 2.30 in his first three matches, he has yet to open his scoring account. The upcoming fixture could be the catalyst for his first Premier League goal.
Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League matches this weekend. Saturday’s slate begins with Tottenham versus Everton, followed by the Brentford‑Bournemouth clash. Sunday features Coventry hosting Brighton at 2 pm, and the highly anticipated Manchester derby between United and City at 4.30 pm.
Monday Night Football concludes the weekend with Leeds hosting Newcastle at 8 pm, with pre‑match coverage starting at 6.30 pm. In the previous column, the focus was on Arsenal’s increasingly solid defence ahead of their clash with Morgan Rogers and Chelsea. Finally, don’t miss the chance to win £1 million by playing Super 6 – entry is free.