Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s focus includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on over the weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has confirmed that Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now has three Premier League goals this season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. That updated tally has rightly earned him a place back in England’s squad. For those watching the video highlights, using Chrome will give you the best experience.
When you look at 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 standout performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed a natural instinct for finding space in dangerous areas. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and during his final two seasons at Everton shows a clear concentration of attempts from the heart of the box. The key difference now is that a higher proportion of those chances are being turned into goals.
At Everton, his reputation was often defined by a lack of clinical finishing. Yet at Leeds he has already matched the total number of Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons with Everton. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher summed it up: “Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player.” The underlying metrics illustrate a narrowing gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals, indicating that the striker is finally delivering on the quality of chances he creates.
Carragher added, “Maybe composure has let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle highlighted 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 behind the defence, latch onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke described Calvert‑Lewin as "one of the standout strikers in the league" after the match.
Now that he has rediscovered his sharpness in front of goal, it is hard to argue otherwise. At 29, he blends pace with aerial power, a combination that makes him a constant threat. Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent runs that stretch the opposition and create space behind the back line.
The statistics back up his claim to being a complete No 9. He shares the top spot for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is one of the few players who ranks both among the league’s leaders in aerial battles and within the top ten for runs behind the defence.
Tracking data shows he has recorded one of the highest top speeds recorded in the Premier League this season. His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing high, disrupting opposition build‑up, and winning the ball back in dangerous areas. As Farke noted, "It’s not just about scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑class." Calvert‑Lewin also leads Leeds in pressing metrics, regularly closing down defenders, cutting passing lanes and forcing turnovers.
Since the start of last term, only six teams have forced more high‑intensity turnovers than Leeds, a testament to his influence. Availability has been a crucial factor in his resurgence.
When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal appear risky. However, he has avoided any major setbacks so far and has managed his minutes carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, yet he still featured in nearly 80 % of the league minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92 % of possible minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has benefited both player and club, and Leeds will be hoping the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on Sunday.
Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to score in his sixth consecutive home league game. 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 displayed a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a highlight, as Brobbey repeatedly shielded the ball, using his strength to retain possession from long passes and providing Sunderland with a reliable outlet up the pitch.
Data from GeniusIQ confirms that Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as a player 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. Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is delighted with the striker’s contribution: "The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is very competitive." Sunderland will need a repeat of that display at the Etihad against Manchester City. In midfield, Elliot Anderson will be tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday.
The £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest appears to be handling the responsibility of filling the void left by Rodri at Manchester City. In the recent Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham could cause further trouble for Manchester United on Sunday. Though they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, young forward Josh King is in excellent form and could be the catalyst.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures 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 finally Fulham versus Manchester United at 4.30 pm.
Last week’s column also uncovered the statistical chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, highlighted Alex Scott’s impact for Bournemouth, and noted Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili’s goal against Ipswich. For a chance to win £1 million, try the Super 6 – entry is free.