Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories that matter. This week’s focus includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes at City - A player to watch 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 the conversation for an England recall. For the best viewing experience, use the Chrome browser to access the video player.
When you consider all competitions, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised his fitness and confidence after the striker’s starring performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed an uncanny ability to position himself in dangerous zones. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a dense cluster of attempts from the central area of the box.
The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was often defined by wastefulness, but he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored for Leeds with the tally he amassed over his last four seasons at Everton.
As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player.” The underlying analytics show the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating he is emerging from a period of poor finishing. Carragher added, “Maybe composure has let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking arsenal. The first was a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second was a blistering run behind the defence, latching onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and slotting the ball past the goalkeeper. Farke described Calvert‑Lewin as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match.
Now that he has rediscovered his sharpness in front of goal, it is hard to argue otherwise. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the prized combination of pace and aerial prowess. Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs with well‑timed runs into the box and win aerial duels from long balls and crosses, while also making incisive runs behind the back line to stretch opponents. His completeness as a No 9 is reflected in the numbers as well.
He shares the league lead for aerials won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is the only player near the top of that list who also ranks among the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data confirms he has recorded one of the highest top speeds in the Premier League this season. His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing, closing down passing lanes, and forcing turnovers.
Farke emphasized, “It’s not just about scoring; his work‑rate is top‑class.” Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing has helped Leeds rank among the teams that force the most high‑intensity turnovers – only six sides have forced more since the start of last term. Availability has also 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 plagued him at Everton.
The club has managed his minutes carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, but he still logged nearly 80 % of the total league minutes last season – his highest ratio since 2020/21 – and has already featured in 92 % of Leeds’ minutes this term. Consistent selection has benefited both player and club, and Leeds will be hoping the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League matches to six. Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise. Switching focus, another striker worth watching is Brian Brobbey.
The Dutch‑born forward, who netted three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season but delivered a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His physical battle with centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a highlight, repeatedly shielding the ball and allowing Sunderland to retain possession from long passes. Brobbey’s ability to protect the ball is statistically unrivalled this season.
According to GeniusIQ, he has recorded more hold‑up instances – defined as using his body to shield a defender and retain possession – than any other player, topping the chart again despite starting only 22 games. Although the goals have not yet materialised, 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 highly competitive.” Sunderland will need a repeat of that physical display at the Etihad.
Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is set to help contain Brobbey on Sunday. Early signs suggest the 23‑year‑old is adapting well to the role left vacant by Rodri. In the recent Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, Anderson matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and recorded a comparable number of duels won, indicating a smooth transition under Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend.
Though they have yet to secure a Premier League victory under Alvaro Arbeloa, they boast a promising youngster in Josh King, who is currently in fine form. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches live this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, followed on Sunday by Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, and Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, with the final fixture – Fulham versus Manchester United – kicking off at 4.30 pm.
Last week’s column highlighted the statistical chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.