Welcome to The Radar, the Sky Sports feature where Nick Wright blends statistics and personal insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This edition covers three main topics: - The dynamic partnership between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer - Scott’s standout performances for Bournemouth - A look at Crystal Palace’s aggressive wing‑back The chemistry between Rogers and Palmer was on full display after Chelsea’s recent victory over Leeds. When Rogers learned that Palmer had been named man of the match, he joked, "I got four assists, I think you should have taken it," to which the smiling Palmer replied, "Don’t mention me, I’m just a bystander." Rogers added, "Just a bystander," underscoring the light‑hearted banter that often precedes their post‑match interviews.
The exchange, captured by Sky Sports cameras, highlighted the ease with which the two communicate on and off the pitch. Both players grew up together in the Manchester City academy, forging a close friendship that has now translated into on‑field synergy at Chelsea.
In just five league games they have combined for an impressive total of 11 goals and assists, a tally that only Arsenal has managed to keep relatively low. Their understanding seems almost instinctive; when asked if they felt like they had been playing together forever, Rogers answered, "We pretty much have." Their partnership was a catalyst for Chelsea’s comeback on Wednesday. Rogers produced a clever flick off his backside that set up Palmer’s equaliser, and the duo were again involved in the build‑up to Chelsea’s third and sixth goals. Throughout the season, Rogers has passed the ball to Palmer more often than any other teammate – 19 times – while Palmer’s most frequent recipient has been defender Josh Acheampong with 15 passes.
Surprisingly, they have only directly combined for a single goal so far. However, the potential for more is evident. In the 4‑3 win over Brighton, they alternated creating chances for each other, only to be thwarted by last‑minute blocks.
In the opening match against Fulham, Rogers fashioned three clear‑cut shooting opportunities for Palmer, but the striker was unable to finish. Overall, the pair have generated nine chances for one another, more than double any other partnership in the league. They sit ahead of other notable duos such as Palmer‑João Pedro and Antoine Semenyo‑Erling Haaland, each of which has produced four chances together.
While many expected Palmer to be the primary provider for Rogers, the reality has been the opposite in several games. Palmer, who managed only one goal in 13 appearances last season, has already netted four in his first five fixtures, a surge that can be partly attributed to the presence of his new teammate. Rogers explained the mutual benefits of their relationship: "We have different qualities, different ways of playing and influencing games. Ultimately, it’s about scoring, creating and linking the play.
We can do that in our own ways." This complementary approach is evident in how they feed each other. Rogers often looks to thread passes into the space between the opposition’s defensive line and midfield, giving Palmer room to operate.
Conversely, Palmer attempts to exploit the gaps behind the back line with through‑balls aimed at Rogers’ forward runs. Xabi Alonso’s tactical setup further enhances their partnership. The wing‑backs provide width, allowing both Rogers and Palmer to drift inside and operate in close proximity within central zones. As a result, Chelsea now directs a higher percentage of its attacks through the middle third of the pitch than any other Premier League side.
The next test comes against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Hull have kept three consecutive clean sheets, but the combined threat of Rogers and Palmer could prove decisive in ending that run. Chelsea’s offensive reinforcement with Rogers has been a clear success, yet their midfield overhaul has been less fruitful. One summer departure, a player who moved to Bournemouth, continues to excel there.
Alex Scott, highly praised by Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola and also admired by Marco Rose, delivered a standout performance in a 2‑2 draw with Newcastle. The 23‑year‑old, who scored Bournemouth’s opening goal against Everton, dominated the match with the most touches, the highest number of final‑third passes, and the most duels won for his side. Scott’s blend of physicality and technical skill has been evident from the season’s start. He shuttles tirelessly between the penalty areas, taking on greater responsibility as the campaign progresses.
If he maintains this level, the clubs that chased him in the summer transfer window may return with renewed interest in January. For now, Bournemouth will rely on his consistency as they prepare to face Brentford at the Vitality Stadium. Crystal Palace’s right wing‑back, Anan Khalaili, has stepped into the role vacated by Daniel Munoz. He showcased his attacking instincts with a decisive run that set up Ben Chilwell’s winning goal against Fulham.
Defensively, Khalaili has been busy, engaging in numerous one‑on‑one battles. Although he has had a few awkward moments, his aggressiveness often sees him come out on top. Statistically, Khalaili ranks second in the league for duels won and leads all players in tackles, with 17 successful challenges despite starting only twice. This impressive defensive contribution highlights his rapid adaptation to Premier League intensity.
Meanwhile, Brentford striker Igor Thiago is looking to open his account after registering an expected‑goals total of 2.30 without finding the net in the first three matches – the highest xG for any player yet to score. He will be hoping his luck changes when Bournemouth visit on Saturday. Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League fixtures this weekend. Saturday’s lineup begins with Tottenham versus Everton, followed by Coventry hosting Brighton at 2 p.m., and the Manchester derby – Manchester United versus Manchester City – kicking off at 4.30 p.m.
The weekend concludes with Monday Night Football, where Leeds will host Newcastle at 8 p.m., with pre‑match coverage starting at 6.30 p.m. In the previous column, the focus was on Arsenal’s increasingly solid defence ahead of their clash with Morgan Rogers and Chelsea. As the season unfolds, the interplay between individual brilliance and collective tactics continues to shape the narrative of the Premier League.
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