Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s focus includes: △ The all‑round threat posed by Dominic Calvert-Lewin △ Brian Brobbey as a hold‑up specialist △ Elliot Anderson stepping into Rodri's role △ A player to watch this weekend After a review by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Calvert-Lewin’s tally has been corrected to three Premier League goals this season, putting him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
The adjustment underscores why the England manager has welcomed him back into the national squad. Across all competitions Calvert-Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised his form, saying, "He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence" after the striker’s starring performance in the 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Positioning has always been a hallmark of Calvert‑Lewin’s game.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a dense cluster of attempts from the heart 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 criticised for wastefulness, yet he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons with Everton in just a handful of games for Leeds. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed, "Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player," and the numbers support that sentiment.
The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that the finishing funk that once plagued him is fading. His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking arsenal. The first was a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second came after a blistering run behind the defence, latching onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finishing past the goalkeeper.
Farke described him as "one of the standout strikers in the league" after the match, and with his recent resurgence it is hard to argue otherwise. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines pace with aerial power – a rare blend for a traditional No 9. The Monday fixture reminded observers how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make diagonal runs that stretch the opposition and create space for teammates.
His statistical profile reinforces this versatility. He shares the top spot for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is one of only a handful of players in the top‑ten for both aerial success and runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest top speeds recorded in the Premier League this season, while his off‑the‑ball work rate benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. Farke noted, "It's not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch." Calvert‑Lewin frequently presses high, blocks passing lanes and helps Leeds win the ball in dangerous areas; only six teams have forced more high‑turnover situations than Leeds since the start of last term.
Availability has also been a key factor in his revival. His injury history made his free‑transfer signing a gamble, but so far he has avoided the recurring problems that limited him at Everton. Leeds have managed his minutes prudently – he has been substituted in 15 of his 34 league starts – yet he still featured in nearly 80% of Premier League minutes last season, his highest proportion since 2020/21, and has already logged 92% of available minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has paid dividends for both player and club, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League fixtures to six. Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise. The column also shifts attention to Brian Brobbey, another striker capable of using his body to dominate defenders.
The Dutch‑born forward, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season but impressed with a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His physical battle with centre‑back Ezri Konsa highlighted his strength and ability to shield the ball, a skill that GeniusIQ data confirms: Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating his lead from the previous term despite limited starts. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised the performance, saying the Arsenal game showed Brobbey can compete against the league’s strongest sides.
Sunderland will look for a repeat display at the Etihad against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to help curb Brobbey’s influence on Sunday. Early signs suggest Anderson is already filling the creative void left by Rodri at Manchester City.
In the recent Manchester derby, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s pass volume and final‑third involvement, while winning a comparable number of duels, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes on Sunday. Though they have not yet secured 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 vs Chelsea on Friday night, followed by Nottingham Forest vs Coventry on Saturday. Sunday’s slate includes Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Leeds vs Crystal Palace, Manchester City vs Sunderland at 2 pm, and finally Fulham vs Manchester United at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column highlighted the on‑pitch chemistry 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!