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 highlights include: - 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 Dominic Calvert‑Lewin has officially reached three Premier League goals for the current season after a correction by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel. That tally places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland and has earned him a well‑deserved recall to the England squad.
When you factor in all competitions, 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 starring performance in Leeds’ 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Positioning has always been a natural strength for Calvert‑Lewin.
Shot‑map analysis from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton shows a heavy concentration of attempts from the centre of the box. The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a far higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, Calvert‑Lewin was often criticised for wastefulness in front of goal.
Remarkably, he has already matched the total number of Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton during his relatively short spell at Leeds. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher summed it up succinctly: “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 the striker is finally delivering on the quality of chances he creates. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” Calvert‑Lewin’s brace against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his skill set.
The first goal came from a textbook leap and powerful header to meet James Justin’s cross. The second was a swift, well‑timed run behind the defence, receiving Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finishing cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Both goals highlighted his aerial prowess and his ability to exploit space with speed. Farke described him after the match as “one of the standout strikers in the league.” With his recent resurgence in front of goal, it is hard to dispute that assessment.
At 29, Calvert‑Lewin now combines blistering pace with aerial strength, making him a dual‑threat that can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making incisive runs that stretch defensive lines. Statistically, his completeness is evident. He is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season alongside Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only forward among the leaders in that category who also ranks in the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest top‑speed readings in the league this campaign.
His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable. Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch.” Calvert‑Lewin frequently presses high, disrupts opposition defenders, blocks passing lanes, and helps Leeds win possession in dangerous areas. Leeds have forced fewer high‑turnover situations than only six other clubs since the start of last season, a testament to the collective defensive pressure that Calvert‑Lewin helps generate. 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 appear risky. So far, he has avoided the recurring problems that once plagued his career. Leeds have managed his minutes carefully – he has been substituted in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts – yet he still logged nearly 80 % of the club’s total minutes last season, the highest proportion since 2020/21, and this term he has featured in 92 % of available minutes. 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 turns its attention to another striker making waves – Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, who netted three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season but displayed a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal.
His physical battles with centre‑back Ezri Konsa were a spectacle, repeatedly shielding the ball and allowing Sunderland to progress up the pitch. According to GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, and he topped the same metric last term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his performances, saying, “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is very competitive.” Sunderland will need a similar display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium.
Elliot Anderson, the £116 million midfielder signed from Nottingham Forest, is another player highlighted in the column. He is expected to help Manchester City contain Brobbey on Sunday. Early data suggests Anderson is replicating the passing volume and final‑third involvement of former City midfield anchor Rodri, while also winning a comparable number of duels, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca.
The piece also speculates on Fulham’s chances of causing trouble for Manchester United on Sunday. Although Fulham have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they boast a promising youngster in Josh King, who has been in fine form.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action includes Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, followed on Sunday by 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 also examined the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, highlighted Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, and noted Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili before his goal against Ipswich. For those looking for extra excitement, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.