Welcome to The Radar, a Sky Sports feature where Nick Wright blends statistics with personal insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This edition covers three main topics: - The dynamic partnership of Palmer and Rogers - Scott’s standout performances for Bournemouth - The hard‑tackling reputation of Crystal Palace When Morgan Rogers learned that Cole Palmer had been named man of the match after Chelsea’s victory over Leeds, he was taken aback. "I registered four assists," Rogers protested. "I think you deserved it," Palmer replied with a grin.
"Don’t mention me – I’m just a spectator," Rogers added, chuckling. The banter, captured by Sky Sports cameras before the post‑match interview, highlighted the chemistry between the two players.
Their on‑field connection suggests they have been playing together for years. "We pretty much have," Rogers answered when asked about their familiarity.
Both players grew up in England and spent time together in Manchester City’s youth set‑up, and they have seamlessly transferred that rapport to Chelsea. In just five matches they have combined for a total of eleven goals and assists, a tally that only Arsenal has managed to keep relatively low.
Their halftime exchanges 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. This pattern of inter‑linking play has become a hallmark of their partnership. Across the five games so far, Rogers has completed 19 passes to Palmer – nearly twice as many as any other teammate – while only defender Josh Acheampong has received more passes from Palmer, with 15.
Surprisingly, they have directly combined for just one goal, but 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 season opener against Fulham, Rogers fashioned three clear‑cut shooting opportunities for Palmer, who was unable to finish.
Overall, Rogers and Palmer have generated nine chances for one another, more than double the total of any other Premier League pairing. The next‑closest duos – Palmer with Joao Pedro and Antoine Semenyo with Erling Haaland – have each produced four joint chances. While many expected Palmer to be the primary provider for Rogers, the early data suggests the reverse has been true.
Palmer, who managed just one goal in 13 appearances last season, has already netted four in five games this term, a surge partly credited to his new teammate’s support. Rogers explained their mutual approach after his arrival at Chelsea: "We bring different qualities and styles to the game. Ultimately it’s about scoring, creating and linking play, and we each do that in our own way." This philosophy 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, creating pockets for Palmer to exploit.
Conversely, Palmer attempts to stretch the defence by delivering balls that target Rogers’ runs behind the back line. Xabi Alonso’s tactical setup also aids their interplay.
The wing‑backs provide width, allowing Rogers and Palmer to cut inside and operate in close proximity in central areas. As a result, Chelsea now channels a higher proportion of its attacks through the middle third of the pitch than any other side in the league. The next test comes against Hull City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Hull have kept three consecutive clean sheets, but the Rogers‑Palmer partnership could prove decisive in ending that run. Chelsea’s offensive upgrade with Rogers has been clear, yet their midfield reinforcements have not delivered the same impact. One summer departure, a player who left for Bournemouth, continues to thrive there.
Alex Scott has been a revelation for Bournemouth under Andoni Iraola, mirroring the praise Marco Rose has shown for him at his former club. After a 2‑2 draw with Newcastle, Iraola said, "I love him," emphasizing the 23‑year‑old’s importance.
Scott scored Bournemouth’s opening goal against Everton and was the standout player at St James’ Park, registering the most touches, the most final‑third passes and winning more duels than any of his teammates. His blend of physical strength and technical skill has been evident from the season’s start. He shuttles tirelessly between both penalty areas, showing an increasing willingness to take on responsibility. If he maintains this level, the clubs that pursued him in the summer window are likely to return with offers in the January transfer period.
For now, Bournemouth will hope he continues his form when they meet Brentford at the Vitality Stadium. Crystal Palace’s right wing‑back Anan Khalaili has big shoes to fill after replacing Daniel Munoz. He demonstrated his attacking instincts with a driving run that set up Ben Chilwell’s winning goal against Fulham last weekend. Defensively, Khalaili has had a few awkward moments, but he relishes one‑on‑one battles and often comes out on top.
Statistically, Khalaili 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. This impressive defensive contribution highlights his rapid adaptation to the Premier League. Brentford striker Igor Thiago, who faces Bournemouth on Saturday, has accumulated an expected‑goals total of 2.30 without finding the net in his first three appearances, the highest xG among players yet to score.
He will be eager to convert that promise into a goal soon. Sky Sports will broadcast four Premier League matches this weekend.
Saturday’s kickoff features Tottenham versus Everton, followed by Coventry hosting Brighton at 2 pm on Sunday, and the Manchester derby – Manchester United versus Manchester City – at 4.30 pm. Monday Night Football concludes the weekend with Leeds hosting Newcastle at 8 pm, with coverage beginning at 6.30 pm.
In the previous column, the focus was on Arsenal’s improving defence ahead of their clash with Morgan Rogers and Chelsea. Don’t miss the chance to win £1 million by playing Super 6 – entry is free!