Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven opinion column where Nick Wright dissects the Premier League's most compelling narratives. This week’s highlights include: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking prowess - Brian Brobbey’s mastery of the hold‑up game - Elliot Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes at Manchester City - A player to keep an eye on over the weekend Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, thanks to a correction from the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, now stands at three Premier League goals for the current season – a tally that places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
The adjustment not only restores his statistical record but also cements his place back in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. 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 after the striker’s starring role in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, noting, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Positioning has always been a hallmark of Calvert‑Lewin’s game.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons with Everton reveal a concentration of attempts from the centre‑circle of the box. The crucial difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, Calvert‑Lewin was often labeled as wasteful, his goal return lagging behind the volume of chances he created.
Remarkably, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton, despite having played fewer matches for Leeds. As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a change of environment revives a player.” The data supports this narrative. The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that the finishing funk that plagued him for years is fading. Carragher added, “Perhaps composure let him down before, but not now.” Calvert‑Lewin’s two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his threat.
The first was a textbook leap and header from James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him sprint behind the defence, latch onto Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the keeper. Farke described him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match, a sentiment that now appears justified.
At 29, Calvert‑Lewin blends raw pace with aerial dominance. Monday’s performance reminded everyone that he can out‑muscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making incisive runs that stretch the opposition and create space behind the back line. His statistical profile reinforces his evolution into a complete No 9.
He currently shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player among the top aerial duel winners 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 intensity benefits Leeds both offensively and defensively; Farke noted, “It’s not just about scoring – his work‑rate is top‑class.” Defensively, Calvert‑Lewin contributes by pressuring opponents, blocking passing lanes and helping Leeds win possession in dangerous zones. Only six clubs have forced more high‑turnover situations than Leeds since the start of the previous campaign, a testament to his pressing influence.
Availability has been a critical factor in his resurgence. Injuries made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds, yet he has avoided the recurring problems that limited his time at Everton. Farke has managed his minutes carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts.
Nevertheless, he featured in nearly 80 % of Leeds’ league minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92 % of possible minutes this term. Consistent selection has paid dividends for both player and club. Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, with Calvert‑Lewin targeting a sixth consecutive home league goal. Given his current form, doubting his impact would be unwise.
The column also shifts focus to another powerful striker, Brian Brobbey. The Dutch‑born forward, 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 battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa highlighted his ability to shield the ball and retain possession under pressure.
According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as using his body to protect the ball from defenders – than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading performance from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris remains optimistic, stating, “The performance against Arsenal shows he can compete against the strongest teams in the league and in Europe.” Sunderland will need a similar display at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million midfielder signed from Nottingham Forest, is expected to help curb Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday.
Early indications suggest Anderson is adapting well to the role vacated by Rodri at City. In the recent Manchester derby, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and recorded a comparable number of duels won, facilitating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham’s prospects of causing trouble for Manchester United are uncertain.
They have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, but striker Josh King is in fine form and could provide the cutting edge they need. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures 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 highlighted the synergy 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 – entry is free.