Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports feature where Nick Wright blends statistics and insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This edition covers three main topics: - The Palmer‑Rogers partnership dissected - 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 taken aback.
"I got 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, laughing. The banter, captured by Sky Sports cameras before the post‑match interview, revealed the easy‑going chemistry between the two.
That rapport is evident on the pitch as well. Do they feel as if they have been linked forever? "Pretty much," Rogers answered.
Both players grew up together in England’s youth set‑ups and later in Manchester City’s academy, forging a close friendship that has now been transferred to Chelsea. Since reuniting, they have wreaked havoc on either side of Joao Pedro, contributing a combined 11 goals and assists in just five league games. So far only Arsenal have managed to keep their output relatively muted. 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 link‑up plays have become a recurring theme.
In Chelsea’s five matches to date, Rogers has completed almost twice as many passes to Palmer – 19 in total – as he has to any other teammate. Only defender Josh Acheampong has received more passes from Palmer, with 15. Surprisingly, the pair have directly combined for just one goal, 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 season opener against Fulham, Rogers fashioned three shooting opportunities for Palmer, who was unable to finish. Overall, they have generated nine clear‑cut chances for one another, more than double any other partnership in the Premier League. The next‑closest duos – Palmer with Joao Pedro and Antoine Semenyo with Erling Haaland – have produced only four each. Most pundits expected Palmer to act as the primary provider for Rogers, yet the early data suggests the reverse is true.
Palmer finished last season with a modest return of one goal in 13 appearances, but this term he has already netted four in five games, a surge partly attributable to his new teammate’s support. Rogers explained their mutual plan after his arrival at Chelsea: "We bring different qualities, different styles of play and different ways of influencing a match.
In the end it’s about scoring, creating and linking the game. We can each do that in our own way." The distinction between their roles is evident in how they feed each other.
Rogers often looks to thread the ball into the space between the opposition’s defensive line and midfield, a zone where Palmer thrives. Conversely, Palmer frequently attempts to exploit Rogers’ runs behind the back line with incisive passes. Xabi Alonso’s system further enhances their interplay.
The wing‑backs provide width, allowing Rogers and Palmer to drift inside, bringing them into close proximity and creating more opportunities to combine centrally. As a result, Chelsea now routes a higher percentage of its attacks through the middle third of the pitch than any other side in the league. The next test comes on Saturday when Hull City travel to Stamford Bridge. Hull have kept three clean sheets in a row, but the Rogers‑Palmer tandem could prove decisive in ending that streak.
Chelsea’s offensive upgrade with Rogers has been clear, but their midfield reinforcement during the summer fell short. One player who slipped away continues to flourish at Bournemouth.
Alex Scott, highly regarded by Andoni Iraola and equally praised by Marco Rose, has been a revelation. "I love him," Rose said after their 2‑2 draw with Newcastle. That match marked the third consecutive game in which Bournemouth surrendered a lead late on, a pattern that hit Scott hard. The 23‑year‑old, who opened the scoring in Bournemouth’s previous win over Everton, was the standout at St James’ Park.
He contributed to both Bournemouth goals, logged the most touches, delivered the highest number of final‑third passes, and won more duels than any of his teammates. His early-season form continues a strong start. 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, a development that bodes well for his future.
If he maintains this trajectory, clubs that chased him in the summer window may return with offers in January. For now, Bournemouth will hope he keeps delivering when they meet Brentford at the Vitality Stadium. At Crystal Palace, Anan Khalaili has big shoes to fill after replacing Daniel Muñoz on the right wing‑back. He demonstrated his attacking threat with a driving run that set up Ben Chilwell’s winning goal against Fulham last weekend.
Defensively, Khalaili has been busy. While he has had a few awkward moments, he clearly enjoys one‑on‑one battles and has emerged victorious more often than not. In fact, he ranks second in the division for duels won and leads the league in tackles, with 17 successful challenges – five more than any other player – despite having started only twice. Brentford striker Igor Thiago faces Bournemouth on Saturday with the aim of opening his goal account.
He has accumulated an expected‑goals value of 2.30 after three games without scoring, the highest xG of any player yet to find the net. It may be time for his fortunes to change.
Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League matches this weekend. Saturday’s kickoff features Tottenham versus Everton.
Sunday’s slate includes Coventry hosting Brighton at 2 pm, followed by the Manchester derby – Manchester United versus Manchester City – at 4.30 pm. Monday Night Football concludes the weekend’s live action, 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. Finally, remember to play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free!