Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This edition covers: - Calvert-Lewin’s all‑round attacking menace - Brobbey as the ultimate hold‑up specialist - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player worth watching this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has officially credited Dominic Calvert‑Lewin with three Premier League goals this season, moving him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland on the league’s scoring chart and putting him back in contention for an England recall. For the best viewing experience, use Chrome for the video player.
When you consider every competition, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised his form after the striker’s starring performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed an instinct for positioning. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from the central areas of the box.
The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a far greater proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was marred by wastefulness. Remarkably, he has already matched the total number of Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton, doing so in just a handful of games for Leeds. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher summed it up: “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The underlying analytics illustrate a narrowing gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals, indicating that the finishing funk that once plagued him is fading.
Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His brace against Newcastle highlighted the breadth of his threat. The first goal came from a classic leaping header, meeting James Justin’s cross and powering it home.
The second showcased his pace: a darting run behind the defence, latching onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and slotting it past the keeper. Farke hailed him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match. With his newfound sharpness, it is hard to dispute that claim. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the prized combination of speed and aerial prowess.
Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent runs that stretch the opposition and create space behind the back line. His completeness as a No 9 is reflected in the statistics.
He shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is the only player near the top of that list who also ranks within the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest top‑speeds recorded in the Premier League this season. Off the ball, his intensity benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑class.” Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing forces opposition defenders into errors, blocks passing lanes and helps Leeds win possession in dangerous zones.
Only six clubs have forced more high‑turnover situations than Leeds since the start of last term. Availability has been a crucial factor in his resurgence.
His injury history made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds, yet he has avoided the recurring problems that hampered him at Everton. Farke has managed his minutes carefully, subbing him off in 15 of his 34 league starts, but the striker still featured in nearly 80 % of Premier League minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92 % of possible minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has paid dividends for both player and club, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League matches to six. Given his current form, doubting his impact would be unwise.
Switching focus, another striker making headlines is Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season but displayed a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His physical battle with centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a showcase of strength; Brobbey repeatedly shielded the ball, allowing Sunderland to retain possession and progress up the pitch.
Data from GeniusIQ confirms his dominance in this area – he has recorded more hold‑ups (defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender) than any other player this season, repeating a feat from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Although the goals have not yet come, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his contribution: “The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he is very competitive.” Sunderland will need a similar display at the Etihad against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson will be tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday.
The £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest appears to be adapting well, mirroring the passing volume and final‑third involvement of former City midfield anchor Rodri, while also matching Rodri’s duel‑winning numbers. This statistical similarity has facilitated a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Could Fulham add to Manchester United’s woes on Sunday? The London side have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, but striker Josh King is in fine form and could be a decisive factor.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest against Coventry City, followed by four Sunday matches: Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, and finally Fulham versus Manchester United at 4.30 pm.
Last week’s column also dissected the on‑field chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, highlighted Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, and noted Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili before his goal against Ipswich. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.