Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League narratives that matter. This edition covers: - Calvert-Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey as the ultimate hold‑up man - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has confirmed Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s tally at three Premier League goals for the current campaign, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and putting him back on England’s radar. For the best viewing experience, use Chrome to access the video player. When you consider every competition, Calvert-Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 outings since April.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised his fitness and confidence after the striker’s starring performance in the 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Positioning has always been a hallmark of Calvert-Lewin’s game.
Shot‑map analysis from his Leeds spell and his final two seasons at Everton shows a dense cluster of attempts from the heart of the box. The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a far higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, wastefulness was a recurring criticism.
Yet at Leeds he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons with Everton. As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, "Sometimes a change of scenery can rejuvenate a player." The data backs this narrative: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating he is finally shedding the finishing funk that once plagued him. Carragher added, "He may have lacked composure at times in his career, but not in these recent games." His brace against Newcastle illustrated the variety of his offensive arsenal.
The first goal came from a textbook leap and powerful header to meet James Justin’s cross. The second was a swift, diagonal run behind the defence, latching onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and slotting the ball beyond the keeper. Farke labelled him "one of the standout strikers in the league" after that match. Now that Calvert-Lewin has rediscovered his lethal edge, it is hard to dispute that assessment.
At 29, he blends raw pace with 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 all‑roundness as a No 9 is reflected in the statistics.
Calvert-Lewin shares the Premier League lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player near the top of that list who also ranks within the top ten for successful runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded one of the highest top speeds recorded in the league this season. His off‑the‑ball work rate benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. "It isn’t just about scoring," Farke emphasized on Monday.
"His intensity and work‑rate are exceptional." Beyond goal‑scoring, Calvert-Lewin contributes defensively by pressuring opponents, cutting off passing lanes, and helping his side win back possession in dangerous zones. Leeds have forced more high‑turnover situations than all but six other clubs since the start of last term. Availability remains a crucial factor in his resurgence.
Leeds took a gamble signing him on a free transfer given his injury history at Everton, yet he has avoided any major setbacks so far. The coaching staff have managed his workload carefully – Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts. Nevertheless, he featured in nearly 80 % of Leeds’ league minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92 % of possible minutes this term. Consistent selection has clearly paid dividends, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Calvert-Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in six consecutive home league games. Given his current form, any wager against him would be ill‑advised.
Switching focus, another striker worth watching is Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, 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 battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a showcase of raw strength; Brobbey repeatedly shielded the ball, using his body to retain possession from long passes and providing Sunderland with a reliable outlet to advance up the pitch. According to GeniusIQ, Brobbey has logged more hold‑up actions – defined as using his body to protect the ball from defenders – than any other player this season, repeating his dominance from the previous term despite starting only 22 matches.
Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is delighted with his striker’s contributions. "The performance against Arsenal proves that even against the strongest clubs in England or Europe, he remains highly competitive," he said. Sunderland will need a similar display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. Elliot Anderson will be tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday.
Early indications suggest the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest is adapting well to the role vacated by Rodri in Manchester City’s midfield. The 23‑year‑old was instrumental in City’s recent derby win at Old Trafford, matching Rodri’s numbers in passes, final‑third distribution, and duel success. Those statistical parallels have smoothed his integration under manager Enzo Maresca. Could Fulham add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend?
Although they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they boast a promising youngster in Josh King, who is currently in fine form. Five Premier League fixtures will be shown live on Sky Sports this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night.
Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest versus Coventry City, followed on Sunday by four 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 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.
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