Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to illuminate the Premier League's most compelling narratives. This week’s focus includes: - The all‑round threat posed by Dominic Calvert‑Lewin - Brian Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Elliot Anderson stepping into Rodri’s role at Manchester City - A player to watch in the upcoming weekend fixtures After a technical correction by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Calvert‑Lewin’s tally for the current Premier League season has been adjusted to three goals. That modest figure now places him just behind Manchester City’s prolific striker Erling Haaland, and it has helped secure his return to the England squad.
When you watch the video highlights, we recommend using Chrome for the best playback experience. If we 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 decisive 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 demonstrated an uncanny ability to position himself in dangerous areas. Shot‑map data from his time at both Leeds and Everton shows a dense cluster of attempts from the central zone of the penalty area.
The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is finally turning those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was built around a tendency to waste opportunities, a narrative that lingered for years. Yet, since joining Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goal haul he achieved during his final four seasons with Everton.
Sky Sports veteran Jamie Carragher summed it up succinctly: “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The underlying analytics reinforce this transformation. The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that he is no longer underperforming his statistical forecast. Carragher added, “Maybe composure has let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking skill set. The first was a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him burst into space, receive Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Farke described him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match, a sentiment that now seems justified. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines pace with aerial prowess – a rare blend for a traditional No 9. The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make intelligent runs behind the defence to create scoring opportunities.
His versatility is reflected in the statistics: he shares the top spot for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is the only player among the league’s aerial leaders who also ranks within the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest sprint speeds recorded in the Premier League this season. Off the ball, his work‑rate is equally impressive. Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch.” Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing intensity forces opponents into errors, helps Leeds win back possession in dangerous zones, and contributes to the team’s defensive solidity.
Only six clubs have forced more high‑turnover situations than Leeds since the start of the previous campaign. Durability has also been a decisive factor in his resurgence. When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, there were concerns about his injury history at Everton. So far, he has avoided any major setbacks, and the coaching staff have managed his minutes carefully.
Although he started 34 Premier League matches, Farke substituted him in 15 of those appearances, ensuring he remained fresh. He 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 benefited both player and club, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road this Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be eager to add a sixth consecutive home league goal to his record. Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise.
Switching focus, another striker worth watching is Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season, but his recent display against Arsenal highlighted his hold‑up capabilities. In a physical duel with centre‑back Ezri Konsa, Brobbey repeatedly used his body to shield the ball, demonstrating remarkable strength and allowing Sunderland to progress the ball up the pitch.
Data from GeniusIQ confirms that Brobbey leads the league in recorded hold‑ups – instances where a player uses his body to protect the ball from a defender – and he topped the same metric last season despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his effort, saying, “The Arsenal game shows that even against the strongest teams, he is truly competitive.” The team will look for a similar performance at the Etihad Stadium. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is another player to monitor.
Tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday, Anderson has already shown he can fill the void left by Rodri in Manchester City’s midfield. In the recent Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and recorded a comparable number of duels won, suggesting a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may cause further problems for Manchester United this weekend.
Although they have yet to secure a league win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King is in fine form and could prove decisive. 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 four games: 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 explored the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, highlighted Alex Scott’s contribution for Bournemouth, and celebrated Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili after his goal against Ipswich. For a chance to win £1 million, play the Super 6 – entry is free.