Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends statistics and insight to highlight the Premier League stories you need to know. 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 - A player to watch this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has confirmed that Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now has three Premier League goals this season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. The adjustment 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 his form after the striker’s standout performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, describing him as "in outstanding shape and playing with lots of confidence." Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has shown a natural instinct for positioning. Shot‑map data from his time at both Leeds and Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from the central area of the box. The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a far higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was built around missed opportunities; he was often labeled wasteful.
Yet, since joining Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League tally he accumulated over his final four seasons at Everton. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher summed it up succinctly: "Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player." The numbers back up that sentiment.
The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that his finishing woes are fading. Carragher added, "Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here." Calvert‑Lewin’s brace against Newcastle illustrated the variety of his offensive toolkit.
The first goal came from a classic leaping header, meeting James Justin’s cross at the far post. The second showcased his pace: a swift run behind the defence, receiving Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass and slotting the ball past the keeper.
Farke called him "one of the standout strikers in the league" after that match, and with his recent resurgence, it’s hard to argue otherwise. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines raw speed with aerial dominance.
He can out‑muscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making incisive runs that stretch defences and create space for teammates. Statistically, his all‑roundness is evident. He shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is one of the few players near the top of that list who also ranks among the top ten for runs behind the defence.
Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest sprint speeds recorded in the Premier League this season. His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing, closing passing lanes, and forcing turnovers – a facet of his game that Leeds has exploited to great effect. Only six clubs have generated more high‑intensity turnovers than Leeds since the start of last term.
Injury concerns that haunted him at Everton made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds, but Calvert‑Lewin has remained largely fit. Farke has managed his minutes carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts, yet 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 be hoping the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road this Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of home‑ground goals to six consecutive Premier League matches.
Turning to another striker, Brian Brobbey has impressed with his hold‑up play for Sunderland. The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, is yet to open his Premier League account this season but displayed a physical masterclass against Arsenal, repeatedly shielding the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa and creating space for his teammates. According to GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading tally from the previous term despite limited starts. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is delighted with the progress, noting that Brobbey’s performance against a top‑class Arsenal side shows his competitiveness against elite opposition.
Sunderland will need a similar display at the Etihad when they face Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million midfielder signed from Nottingham Forest, is expected to help curb Brobbey’s influence on Sunday.
Early data suggests Anderson is mirroring the passing volume and duelling success of former City midfielder Rodri, making a smooth transition under Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham’s Josh King offers another potential headache for Manchester United, though Fulham have yet to secure a Premier League win under manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night, followed by Nottingham Forest versus Coventry on Saturday.
Sunday’s slate includes 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, as well as contributions from Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili, who scored against Ipswich.
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