Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League's most compelling narratives. This edition covers: - Calvert-Lewin's all‑round attacking evolution - Brobbey's mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri's role - A player to keep an eye on this weekend After a technical correction by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now stands at three Premier League goals for the current campaign, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. This updated tally has rightly earned him a place back in the England squad.
For those watching, we recommend using Chrome for optimal video playback. When all competitions are considered, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised the striker after his starring performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, noting, "He is in outstanding shape and playing with lots of confidence." Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed a natural instinct for occupying dangerous zones inside the box. Shot‑map data from his time at both Leeds and Everton reveal a high concentration of attempts from central areas.
The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a larger share of those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was often linked to a lack of clinical finishing. Yet, since joining Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored during his final four seasons at Everton.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, "Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player," a sentiment that appears to hold true for Calvert‑Lewin. The statistics underscore a narrowing gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals, indicating he is shedding the finishing inconsistency that once plagued him. Carragher added, "Perhaps composure was an issue earlier in his career, but not here." His brace against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his threat. The first goal came from a classic leaping header off a James Justin cross, while the second showcased a blistering run behind the defense, latching onto a first‑time pass from Tarik Muharemović and slotting the ball past the keeper.
Farke described him post‑match as "one of the standout strikers in the league." With his goal‑scoring touch restored, it is hard to dispute that assessment. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin blends pace with aerial prowess – a combination prized in a modern No 9.
Monday’s match reminded everyone how he can outmuscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent runs that stretch the opposition and create space behind the back line. The data backs his all‑round profile.
He shares the 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 runs behind the defense. Tracking metrics show he has recorded one of the highest top speeds recorded in the Premier League this season, highlighting his off‑the‑ball intensity.
Farke emphasized that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution extends beyond goal scoring: "It’s not just about finding the net; his work‑rate is exceptional." The striker frequently leads Leeds’ press, pressuring defenders, cutting passing lanes, and helping his side win possession in dangerous zones. Leeds have forced more high‑turnover situations than all but six other clubs since the start of last term.
Durability has also been a crucial factor in his resurgence. When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal a calculated risk. To date, he has avoided any major setbacks, and the coaching staff have managed his minutes carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, yet he still logged nearly 80 % of the total league minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already featured in 92 % of Leeds’ minutes this term.
Consistent selection has benefitted 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 looking to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League fixtures.
Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise. Turning to another striker, Brian Brobbey has emerged as a powerful hold‑up specialist for Sunderland. The Dutch‑born forward, who netted three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his Premier League account this season but impressed against Arsenal with a masterclass in shielding the ball and retaining possession under pressure. Brobbey’s physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a highlight, as he repeatedly used his body to protect the ball and allow Sunderland to progress up the pitch.
According to analytics provider GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as using the body to shield a defender and retain possession – than any other player this season, a feat he also achieved last term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his effort, stating, "The performance against Arsenal shows that even against top‑class opposition, he remains highly competitive." The club will be eager for a similar display at the Etihad Stadium when they face Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to play a pivotal role in limiting Brobbey’s influence on Sunday.
Early indications suggest Anderson is adapting well to the responsibilities left by Rodri, mirroring the Spanish midfielder’s passing volume and duel‑winning rate in the final third. Meanwhile, Fulham’s potential to cause trouble for Manchester United this weekend remains an open question. Although they have yet to secure a Premier League win under manager Álvaro Arbeloa, young striker Josh King has been in fine form and could be a decisive factor. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night.
Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest against Coventry City, followed on Sunday by four matches at 2 p.m.: Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, and Manchester City versus Sunderland, with the final game – Fulham versus Manchester United – kicking off at 4.30 p.m. Last week’s column also highlighted the statistical synergy 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.
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