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‑around attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to watch this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation 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 is more than a statistical footnote; it underpins his well‑deserved recall to the England squad. Considering 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, noting, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has excelled at finding space in dangerous areas. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a clear concentration of attempts from the centre of the box.
The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, wastefulness was a recurring criticism. Yet, since joining Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton.
As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player.” The numbers back that sentiment: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that the finishing slump that once haunted him is fading. His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his skill set.
The first was a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him sprint past the defence, latch onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and slot the ball beyond the keeper. Farke summed it up, calling Calvert‑Lewin “one of the standout strikers in the league.” With his goal‑scoring instincts re‑ignited, it is hard to argue otherwise. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the coveted blend of pace and aerial power that defines a modern No 9. The Monday fixture reminded fans how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making incisive runs that stretch defences and create space behind them.
His statistical profile reinforces this narrative. He is joint‑top with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard for aerial duels won in the Premier League this season, and he is one of the few players near the top of that list who also ranks among the top ten for runs behind the defence.
Tracking data shows he has logged some of the highest top‑speeds recorded in the league this term, underscoring his off‑the‑ball intensity. Farke highlighted that his contribution extends beyond scoring: “It’s not just about goals. His work‑rate is top‑class.” Calvert‑Lewin leads Leeds’ pressing efforts, frequently cutting off passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and helping his side regain possession in dangerous zones. Since the start of last season, only six teams have forced more high‑intensity turnovers than Leeds.
Injury concerns had made his free‑transfer signing a calculated risk for Leeds, but his availability has been a pivotal factor in his resurgence. He has largely avoided the recurring muscle problems that plagued him at Everton. Farke has managed his workload carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts.
Nevertheless, he still featured in nearly 80 % of Leeds’ league minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and has already played 92 % of this term’s minutes. 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 aiming to extend his streak of home‑ground Premier League goals to six consecutive matches.
Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise. The column also shifts focus to another striker making waves: 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 hold‑up play against Arsenal was a masterclass. He repeatedly shielded the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa, using his strength to retain possession and provide Sunderland with a reliable outlet for long balls. According to GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up instances – defined as using the body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, topping the charts again despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his competitiveness, especially against top‑level opposition, and expects a repeat performance at the Etihad Stadium.
Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is another player to watch. He is tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday. Early data suggests Anderson is already mirroring Rodri’s passing volume and final‑third involvement, while matching Rodri’s duel‑winning rate, indicating a smooth transition under new manager Enzo Maresca. Finally, the column touches on Fulham’s chances against Manchester United.
Though they have yet to secure a Premier 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 action features Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, followed on Sunday by Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, and Fulham versus Manchester United at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column highlighted the on‑field chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili also making notable contributions. For a chance to win £1 million, play Super 6 – entry is free.