Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s focus includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on this weekend An administrative correction from the goal‑accreditation appeals panel has officially credited Dominic Calvert‑Lewin with three Premier League goals this season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart.
The adjustment underscores why he has rightfully earned a recall to the England squad. 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 form after the striker’s starring performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed a natural instinct for locating himself in dangerous areas.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and during his final two seasons at Everton reveal a concentration of attempts from the heart of the box. The key difference now is his improved conversion rate.
At Everton, his inability to finish was a recurring criticism, yet he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons with Everton in just a handful of matches for Leeds. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher summed it up: “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The numbers back this sentiment. The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that he is finally delivering on the chances he creates.
Carragher added, “Maybe composure has let him down in the past, but not here.” His brace against Newcastle illustrated the variety of his attacking arsenal. The first goal came from a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him sprint into space, 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, and with his renewed sharpness in front of goal, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines pace with aerial power—a rare blend for a traditional No 9. The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs with well‑timed runs from long balls and crosses, while also making incisive runs behind the defence to create scoring opportunities.
Statistically, his completeness shines through. He shares the top spot for aerial duels won in the Premier League this season 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 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 is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing high, disrupting opposition build‑up, and winning the ball back in dangerous zones.
As Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals; his work‑rate is top‑notch.” Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing has helped Leeds rank among the teams that force the most turnovers, with only six sides achieving more high‑press turnovers since the start of last term. Availability has also been a crucial factor in his resurgence.
His injury‑prone history made his free‑transfer signing a risk for Leeds, yet he has avoided the recurring problems that hampered him at Everton. Leeds have managed his minutes carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts, but he still logged nearly 80 % of the total Premier 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, it would be unwise to bet against him. The column also shifts focus to another striker, Brian Brobbey, who, despite being a World Cup scorer for the Netherlands, has yet to find the net for Sunderland this season. He recently displayed a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal, repeatedly shielding the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa and using his strength to retain possession from long balls. According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has logged more hold‑up instances—defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender—than any other player this season, repeating his dominance from the previous term despite limited starts.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his contribution, saying, “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he is really competitive.” Sunderland will need a similar performance at the Etihad against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to help Manchester City contain Brobbey on Sunday. Anderson’s early displays suggest he is coping well with the responsibilities left by Rodri.
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, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may cause trouble for Manchester United this weekend. Although 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 matches this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s live 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 at 4.30 pm.
Last week’s column also highlighted the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, as well as contributions from Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili, who scored against Ipswich. For a chance to win £1 million, play Super 6 – entry is free.