Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League's most compelling narratives. This week’s focus includes: - Calvert-Lewin’s all‑round attacking menace - Brobbey’s mastery of the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to watch over the weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has officially credited Dominic Calvert‑Lewin with three Premier League goals this season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. That correction has helped cement his return to the England squad.
For a smoother video experience, we recommend using 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 the striker after his starring role in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He’s in superb shape and brimming with confidence.” Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed an instinct for positioning. 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 his increased conversion rate. At Everton, his inability to finish was a recurring criticism. Yet at Leeds he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored during his last four seasons with the Toffees.
As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a change of scenery revitalises a player.” The statistical evidence underscores a narrowing gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals, indicating that he is finally translating quality chances into scores. Carragher added, “Perhaps composure let him down in the past, but not in this spell.” His brace against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his threat.
First, he rose majestically to meet James Justin’s cross, heading it cleanly into the net. Then, he made a blistering run behind the defense, latching onto Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass and slotting it past the goalkeeper.
Farke labelled him “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match. With his finishing instincts restored, it is hard to dispute that assessment.
At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines pace with aerial prowess. Monday’s performance reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making incisive runs that stretch defences and create space behind them. His all‑round capabilities are reflected in the numbers. He shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and 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 logged some of the highest top speeds recorded in the Premier League this season. His off‑the‑ball work rate benefits Leeds both offensively and defensively. “It’s not just about scoring,” Farke noted. “His work‑rate is exceptional.” Beyond goal‑scoring, Calvert‑Lewin contributes by pressing opponents, closing passing lanes, and helping Leeds win possession in dangerous zones.
Leeds have forced fewer high‑turnover situations than only six other clubs since the start of the previous season. A crucial element of his resurgence is availability.
His injury‑prone history made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds, yet he has avoided the recurring problems that plagued him at Everton. The club has managed his minutes carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts. Nevertheless, he featured in nearly 80 % of Premier League minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92 % of available 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, live on Sky Sports on Sunday. Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to net a goal for the sixth consecutive home league match. Given his current form, it would be unwise to bet against him. Switching focus, Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey has emerged as a powerful hold‑up striker.
The Dutch international, who netted three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his Premier League account for Sunderland this term, but he displayed a masterclass in retaining possession against Arsenal. His physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a spectacle; Brobbey repeatedly used his body to shield the ball, showcasing rare strength and balance. According to GeniusIQ, he has recorded more hold‑up instances – defined as a player using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading tally from the previous year despite starting only 22 games.
Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his contribution: “The performance against Arsenal proves that even against top‑class opposition, he competes fiercely.” Sunderland will need a similar display at the Etihad Stadium. In midfield, Elliot Anderson is tasked with disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday.
The £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest appears ready to fill 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 recorded a comparable number of duels won, suggesting a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend. Though they have yet to secure a Premier League victory under Alvaro Arbeloa, young striker Josh King is in fine form and could prove decisive.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures live this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, followed by four Sunday matches: 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, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also receiving mention.
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