Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories that matter. This week’s roundup includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes at Manchester City - A player to keep an eye on this weekend Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, thanks to an adjustment by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, now sits on three Premier League goals for the current campaign – a tally that places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
The correction has helped cement his place back in the England squad, a selection many pundits felt was overdue. When you 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 standout performance in the 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed a keen instinct for finding the right spaces inside the box. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a concentration of attempts from central areas. The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals.
At Everton, wastefulness was a frequent criticism. Yet, since moving to Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored across his last four seasons at Everton.
As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher noted, “Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player.” The underlying metrics confirm this narrative: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that his finishing touch has returned. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrate the breadth of his skill set.
The first was a classic, powerful leap to meet James Justin’s cross and head it past the keeper. The second showcased his speed: a darting run behind the defense, receiving Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and slotting it home.
Farke described him after the match as “one of the standout strikers in the league,” a sentiment that is hard to dispute now that his goal‑scoring instincts are firing again. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the coveted blend of pace and aerial prowess.
Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making diagonal runs that stretch defences and create space behind them. His completeness as a No 9 is reflected in the statistics: he is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season alongside Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is one of the few players in the top‑ten for aerial wins who also ranks among the leaders for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest sprint speeds recorded in the league this season.
His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing opponents, closing down passing lanes, and forcing turnovers. Farke summed it up: “It’s not just about scoring; his work‑rate is top‑class.” Leeds have benefited from his defensive contributions as well. The team has forced fewer high‑turnover situations than most, with only six clubs managing more turnovers since the start of last term – a testament to Calvert‑Lewin’s ability to disrupt opposition play.
Availability has also 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. Yet, he has avoided any major setbacks so far, and the coaching staff have managed his minutes carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 league starts, but he still logged nearly 80 % of Leeds’ total Premier League minutes last season – the highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already featured in 92 % of the club’s minutes this term.
Consistent selection has helped all parties, and Leeds will be hoping the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, a match broadcast live on Sky Sports on Sunday. Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League games to six.
Given his current form, it would be unwise to underestimate him. The column then shifts focus to another striker, Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, who netted 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 a platform for his team to advance up the pitch. According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as a player using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating his dominance from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his performances, saying, “Even against the strongest teams, he remains highly competitive.” The next test will be a repeat performance at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to play a key role in limiting Brobbey’s influence on Sunday.
Early data suggests Anderson is already mirroring the passing volume and duelling success of former midfield lynchpin Rodri, making his transition under manager Enzo Maresca appear smooth. The column also touches on Fulham’s potential to cause trouble for Manchester United.
Though 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 matches this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, followed on Sunday by four fixtures: 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 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.
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