Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. This week’s highlights include: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on this weekend Dominic Calvert‑Lewin, thanks to an adjustment by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, now has three Premier League goals to his name this season.
That modest tally places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart and has earned him a well‑deserved recall to the England squad. When you consider 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 starring performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, "He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence." Positioning has always been a natural instinct for Calvert‑Lewin. 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 crucial difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning those chances into goals at a much higher frequency.
At Everton, Calvert‑Lewin was often criticised for wastefulness. Yet at Leeds he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons with Everton, a clear sign that a change of environment can rejuvenate a player, as Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed. The statistics back this up: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that he is finally delivering on the quality of chances he creates.
Carragher added, "Perhaps composure let him down earlier in his career, but not here." His two goals against Newcastle showcased the breadth of his skill set. The first was a textbook leap and header from James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him make a darting run behind the defense to meet Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke called him "one of the standout strikers in the league" after that match. Now that Calvert‑Lewin has rediscovered his sharpness in front of goal, it is hard to argue otherwise.
At 29, he combines pace with aerial prowess – a rare blend for a traditional No 9. The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make intelligent runs that stretch the opposition and create space for teammates. The numbers illustrate his completeness.
Calvert‑Lewin is tied with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season, and he is the only player near the top of that list who also ranks within the top ten for runs made behind the defensive line. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest top speeds recorded in the league this campaign, underlining his off‑the‑ball intensity.
That work‑rate benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. Farke emphasized, "It’s not just about scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch." Defensively, Calvert‑Lewin contributes by pressing aggressively, cutting off passing lanes, and forcing turnovers. Leeds have forced fewer high‑turnover situations than only six other clubs since the start of last season, a testament to the collective defensive effort in which Calvert‑Lewin plays a key part. 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 appear risky. However, he has avoided the recurring muscle problems that once hampered his career.
The coaching staff have managed his minutes carefully – Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 league starts – yet he still featured in nearly 80 % of Leeds’ Premier League minutes last season, the highest proportion since 2020/21, and has already logged 92 % of possible minutes this term. 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, a match that will be 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, it would be unwise to bet against him. The column then shifts focus to another powerful forward, 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. Brobbey’s physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a spectacle; he repeatedly used his body to shield the ball, demonstrating remarkable strength and allowing Sunderland to retain possession deep in their own half.
According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as a player using his body to protect the ball from an opponent – than any other player this season, and he topped the same metric last term despite starting only 22 games. Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is delighted with his striker’s contribution: "The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he is truly competitive." Sunderland will need a repeat of that physical display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. In midfield, Elliot Anderson is expected to help limit Brobbey’s influence on Sunday.
The £116 million signing from Nottingham Forest appears to be living up to the hefty price tag, filling the creative void left by Rodri at Manchester City. In the recent Manchester derby, 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 aim to cause further trouble for Manchester United on Sunday. Though they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they possess a promising young talent in Josh King, who is currently in fine form. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches this weekend.
The slate begins with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night, followed by Nottingham Forest versus Coventry on Saturday. Sunday’s action includes Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, and Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 p.m., with the final fixture – Fulham versus Manchester United – kicking off at 4.30 p.m. Last week’s column also highlighted the statistical link between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) received mention. For a chance to win £1 million, play Super 6 – entry is free.