Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This edition covers: - Calvert-Lewin’s all‑round attacking menace - Brobbey as the ultimate hold‑up specialist - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on this weekend After a technical correction by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now registers three Premier League goals for the current season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart.
The tally also puts him back in the conversation for an England recall. *Note: For the best video experience, use the Chrome browser.* 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 stellar performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday, describing him as being in "outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence." Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed an instinct for occupying the most dangerous zones inside the box.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from central areas. The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, wastefulness was a recurring theme in his game. Remarkably, he has already matched the total number of Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton while wearing the Leeds shirt.
As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, "Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player." The statistical evidence supports this narrative. The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed considerably, indicating that he is finally overcoming the finishing slump that plagued him for years. Carragher added, "Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here." His two goals against Newcastle illustrate the variety of ways he can threaten a defence. The first was a textbook leap‑and‑header from a James Justin cross, while the second saw him sprint behind the back line, latch onto a first‑time pass from Tarik Muharemovic and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Farke lauded him as "one of the standout strikers in the league" after that match. Now that his goal‑scoring touch has returned, it is hard to dispute that assessment. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the prized combination of pace and aerial prowess. Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make intelligent runs that stretch the opposition and create space behind them.
His completeness as a number 9 is evident in the numbers as well. He shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player among the aerial leaders who also ranks within the top ten for runs behind the defence.
Tracking data shows he has recorded one of the highest top speeds recorded in the Premier League this season, underscoring his off‑the‑ball energy. Farke emphasized that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution is not limited to scoring. "It’s not just about the goals," he said. "His work‑rate is top‑class." Defensively, the striker’s intensity helps Leeds win the ball high up the pitch.
He presses aggressively, blocks passing lanes and forces turnovers. Leeds have forced fewer high‑press turnovers than only six other clubs since the start of last season, and Calvert‑Lewin is a major factor in that statistic. Availability has also been crucial to his resurgence.
When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal appear risky. So far, he has avoided any repeat of the recurring problems that limited his playing time in the past. Leeds have managed his workload carefully.
Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, but the striker still featured for roughly 80 % of the league minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already logged about 92 % of possible 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, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to score in his sixth consecutive home league game.
Given his current form, doubting his impact would be unwise. 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 he delivered a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal.
His physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a highlight, as Brobbey repeatedly used his body to shield the ball and retain possession from long balls, giving Sunderland a reliable outlet to advance up the pitch. According to analytics platform GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as a player using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading tally from the previous term despite starting only 22 matches.
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, he is highly competitive." Sunderland will need a similar display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. In midfield, Elliot Anderson will be tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday. The £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest appears to be adapting well to the role vacated by Rodri at Manchester City. In the recent Manchester derby, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend. Though they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they possess a promising youngster in Josh King, who is currently in fine form. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures live this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest against 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 slated for 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!