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 week’s focus includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to watch this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has confirmed that Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now boasts three Premier League goals this season, putting him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s early scoring chart. The adjustment has helped him earn a place back in the England squad, a reward many felt was overdue.
When you watch the video highlights, use Chrome for the best experience. If we look at all competitions, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised the striker after his 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 an instinct for finding space in dangerous areas. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a concentration of attempts from the heart of the penalty area.
The key difference now is that a higher proportion of those chances are being converted into goals. At Everton, his reputation was built around a tendency to waste opportunities.
Remarkably, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton, but he has done so in far fewer games for Leeds. As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The underlying numbers tell a compelling story: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that he is finally overcoming the finishing slump that haunted him for years. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His brace against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking arsenal. First, he rose above the defence to meet James Justin’s cross with a textbook header.
Then, he sprinted into space, received Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finished cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke described him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match, and it is hard to argue against that assessment now that his goal‑scoring touch has returned. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin offers the coveted blend of pace and aerial power.
Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making intelligent runs behind the defence, stretching opponents and creating space for teammates. The statistics reinforce his status as a complete No 9. He shares the league‑lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is the only player among the aerial leaders who also ranks inside 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, underlining his physical threat.
His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable. Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch.” Calvert‑Lewin consistently presses high, forces turnovers, blocks passing lanes and helps Leeds win the ball in dangerous zones. Only six teams have forced more high‑press turnovers than Leeds since the start of last term, a testament to his contribution.
Availability has also been a major factor in his resurgence. When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal a gamble.
Yet he has avoided the recurring muscle problems that limited him previously. Leeds have managed his minutes carefully, subbing him off in 15 of his 34 league starts, but he still featured in nearly 80 % of Premier League minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92 % of possible minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has benefitted 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 looking to add a sixth consecutive home league goal to his tally. Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise. The column also shifts focus to another striker, Brian Brobbey, who has shown himself to be a powerful hold‑up specialist for Sunderland. The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his Premier League account this term but impressed against Arsenal with a masterclass in shielding the ball and retaining possession under pressure.
Brobbey’s physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a highlight, as he repeatedly used his body to protect long balls and create a platform for his team. According to GeniusIQ, he has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using the body to shield a defender while retaining possession – than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading performance from the previous campaign despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is delighted with his striker’s impact, saying, “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is very competitive.” Sunderland will need a repeat of that physical display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium.
Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is another player to watch. The 23‑year‑old impressed in last weekend’s Manchester derby, matching Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and winning a similar number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under new manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham’s chances of causing trouble for Manchester United on Sunday remain uncertain.
They have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, but young 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 by a Sunday slate featuring 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 highlighted the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) receiving mentions.
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