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 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 decision by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s tally for the season has been adjusted to three Premier League goals, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. The correction underscores his resurgence and justifies his recent inclusion in England’s squad.
For the best viewing experience, use Chrome for the video player. When all competitions are considered, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised his form, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence,” after the striker’s standout performance in Leeds’ 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday.
Positioning has always been a hallmark of Calvert‑Lewin’s game. Heat‑maps from his time at Leeds and during his final two seasons at Everton reveal a dense cluster of shots from the central area of the penalty box. The key difference now is his increased conversion rate.
Where he once struggled with wastefulness at Everton, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons with Everton, all in a handful of games for Leeds. As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The data backs this narrative: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that his finishing has improved and his composure in front of goal has returned. Carragher added, “Maybe sometimes composure has let him down in his career, but not here.” Calvert‑Lewin’s strike against Newcastle showcased the breadth of his threat. He first rose above the defence to meet James Justin’s cross with a powerful header, then made a darting run behind the line to latch onto Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass and finish past the keeper.
Farke described him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match, a sentiment reinforced by his renewed cutting edge. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the coveted blend of pace and 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 defenses and create space behind them. His completeness as a No 9 is evident in the statistics as well.
He currently 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 runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest sprint speeds in the league this season, highlighting his off‑the‑ball intensity, which benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. Farke summed it up: “It’s not just scoring goals.
His work‑rate is top‑class.” Beyond goal‑scoring, Calvert‑Lewin contributes defensively by pressuring opposition back‑lines, closing passing lanes, and helping Leeds regain possession in dangerous zones. Only six teams have forced more high‑turnover situations than Leeds since the start of last term, a testament to his pressing impact. Availability has also been a crucial factor in his revival.
When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal a gamble. So far, he has avoided the recurring problems that once limited his playing time. Leeds have managed his workload carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts, yet he still featured in nearly 80 % of Premier League minutes last season—his highest proportion since 2020/21—and has already logged 92 % of available minutes this campaign.
Consistent selection has benefitted both player and club, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, live on Sky Sports Sunday. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in six consecutive home league matches. Given his current form, betting against him 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 delivered a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal.
His physical battle with centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a highlight, as Brobbey repeatedly used his body to shield the ball and retain possession from long passes, providing Sunderland with a vital outlet. Brobbey’s strength in this area is reflected in the GeniusIQ data, which shows he has recorded more hold‑ups—instances where a player shields a defender to keep possession—than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading performance from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his contribution: “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or in Europe, he is really competitive.” Sunderland will need a similar display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium.
In midfield, Elliot Anderson is set to be tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday. The 23‑year‑old, who commanded a £116 million fee from Nottingham Forest, appears to be adapting well to the role vacated by Rodri at Manchester City. In last weekend’s Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, Anderson made a near‑identical number of passes—and passes into the final third—as Rodri did last season, while also winning a comparable number of duels. These similarities have facilitated a smooth transition under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile, Fulham may cause further trouble for Manchester United on Sunday. Though 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. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s live action features Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, 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 link 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!
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