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 edition covers: 🔺The all‑round menace of Calvert‑Lewin 🔺Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play 🔺Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes 🔺A player to watch this weekend After a technical correction from the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s tally stands at three Premier League goals for the current season.
That modest figure now places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring hierarchy and has rightly earned him a spot back in the England squad. (For the best viewing experience, use the Chrome browser.) 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 standout performance in the 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He’s in superb shape and brimming with confidence.” Positioning has always been a natural instinct for Calvert‑Lewin. Shot‑map analyses from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from the heart of the penalty area. 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, but his goal output for Leeds already matches the total he scored across his last four seasons with the Toffees.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher summed it up succinctly: “Sometimes a change of environment revitalises a player.” The data backs this narrative. The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that the finishing funk that once plagued him is fading. Carragher added, “He may have lacked composure at times in his career, but not in these recent games.” His double against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking arsenal. First, he rose majestically to meet James Justin’s cross, directing a powerful header past the keeper.
Moments later, he embarked on a blistering run behind the defense, latching onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and slotting the ball home from close range. Farke described Calvert‑Lewin as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after that match. Now that he has rediscovered his cutting edge, it is hard to dispute that assessment. At 29, the forward combines pace with aerial prowess – a rare blend for a traditional No 9.
Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs with well‑timed runs to meet long balls and crosses, while also stretching the opposition by making intelligent diagonal sprints behind the back line. The statistical picture reinforces his completeness.
Calvert‑Lewin is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player near the top of that list 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 league this campaign.
His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressuring opponents, cutting off passing lanes, and forcing turnovers. Farke noted, “It’s not just about scoring; his work‑rate is exceptional.” Leeds’ pressing statistics support this claim – only six teams have forced more high‑intensity turnovers than Leeds since the start of last season, and Calvert‑Lewin is a key driver of that pressure.
Availability has also played a pivotal role in his resurgence. When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal seem risky. Yet he has remained largely fit, avoiding the recurring muscle problems that once hampered his career.
Manager Farke has managed his minutes carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts. Nevertheless, he logged nearly 80 % of Leeds’ total Premier League minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and already accounts for 92 % of the team’s minutes this term. Consistent selection has benefited both player and club, and Leeds will be hoping the trend continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road this Sunday, a match broadcast live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League games to six.
Given his current form, betting against him would be ill‑advised. The column then shifts focus 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 he delivered a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His duel with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a showcase of physical strength and ball retention. Brobbey repeatedly used his body to shield the ball, allowing Sunderland to progress up the pitch. According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as moments where a player shields a defender to retain possession – than any other player this season, and he topped the same chart last term despite starting only 22 games.
Although his goal tally remains modest, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his overall contribution: “The performance against Arsenal shows he can compete even against the strongest teams in the league and Europe.” 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 to watch. 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 midfielder Rodri, while also matching his duel‑winning numbers, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. The column also poses a question about Fulham’s potential to cause trouble for Manchester United on Sunday. While Fulham have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King is in fine form and could be a decisive factor. 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, and Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, with Fulham versus Manchester United slated for 4.30 pm. Last week’s column highlighted the statistical chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured. Finally, readers are reminded to try the Super 6 game for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.