Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven opinion column where Nick Wright dissects the Premier League’s most compelling narratives. This edition covers four key topics: Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat, Brobbey’s mastery of the hold‑up game, Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes, and 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.
The correction also revives talk of an England recall for the 29‑year‑old striker. For those watching the video analysis, a Chrome browser provides the most accessible player.
When all competitions are considered, 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 standout performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, noting, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with lots of confidence.” Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has excelled at positioning himself inside the box. Shot‑map data from his Leeds tenure and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a dense cluster of attempts from the central area.
The crucial difference now is a higher conversion rate – he is turning those chances into goals more consistently. At Everton, wastefulness was a recurring theme for Calvert‑Lewin. Yet, since joining Leeds he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored during his last four seasons at Everton. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player,” highlighting the immediate impact of the transfer.
Statistical analysis shows the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating he is shedding the finishing slump that once plagued him. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrate the variety of his offensive arsenal. The first was a classic leap‑and‑header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second was a swift run behind the defense to latch onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke called him “one of the standout strikers in the league” after that match.
With his newfound sharpness, it is hard to dispute that assessment. Calvert‑Lewin now combines pace with aerial prowess – a rare blend for a traditional No 9. The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making incisive runs that stretch defenses and create space behind the back line. The numbers back up his reputation as a complete striker.
He shares the top spot for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player among the league’s aerial leaders who also ranks within the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded one of the highest sprint speeds in the Premier League this season, underscoring his off‑the‑ball intensity. Farke emphasized that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution goes beyond goal‑scoring: “It’s not just scoring goals. His work‑rate is top‑notch.” The forward frequently leads the press, blocks passing lanes, and helps Leeds win possession in dangerous zones.
Leeds have forced fewer high‑turnover situations than only six other clubs since the start of last term. Availability has been another pivotal factor in his resurgence. His injury‑prone history made his free‑transfer signing a calculated risk for Leeds, yet he has avoided the recurring problems that hampered him at Everton. The coaching staff have managed his workload carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts.
Nevertheless, he logged nearly 80 % of the club’s league minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already featured in 92 % of Leeds’ minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has benefited 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 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. Turning to another striker, Brian Brobbey of Sunderland has shown himself to be a powerful hold‑up specialist. The Dutch international, who netted three goals at the World Cup, is still searching for his first league goal this season but impressed against Arsenal with a masterclass in shielding the ball.
His physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa highlighted his ability to retain possession under pressure, using his body to protect the ball and allow his team to advance. Data from GeniusIQ confirms Brobbey leads the league in recorded hold‑ups – instances where a player uses his body to shield a defender and retain possession – a statistic he also topped last season despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised the performance, saying, “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he is really competitive.” The club will need a repeat of that physical display at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City.
Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to play a key role in disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday. Early signs suggest Anderson is adapting well to the void left by Rodri. In the recent Manchester derby, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and recorded a similar number of duels won, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend.
Although Fulham have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they possess a promising young talent in Josh King, who is currently in fine form. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action includes Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, followed on Sunday by Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, and Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, with Fulham versus Manchester United kicking off at 4.30 pm.
Last week’s column highlighted the statistical link between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured. Don’t miss the chance to win £1 million – play Super 6 for free!