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 edition covers: - Calvert‑Lewin's all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey's mastery of the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri's shoes - A player to watch this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has officially credited Dominic Calvert‑Lewin with three Premier League goals this season, moving his tally to just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. That correction has helped cement his place back in the England squad. When you factor in every competition, 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 a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Positioning has always been a hallmark of Calvert‑Lewin’s game. Shot‑map analysis from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton shows a heavy concentration of attempts from the centre 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, wastefulness was a frequent criticism. Yet at Leeds he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored across his last four seasons with Everton.
Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player,” and Calvert‑Lewin’s numbers back that sentiment. The data underlines a narrowing gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals, indicating he is finally overcoming the finishing slump that once haunted him. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” 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 saw him sprint behind the defence, latch onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke labelled him “one of the standout strikers in the league” after that match. Now that his goal‑scoring touch has returned, it is hard to dispute that assessment.
At 29, Calvert‑Lewin blends raw pace with aerial power. Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent runs that stretch the opposition and create space behind the back line. His completeness as a No 9 is evident in the statistics. He shares the Premier 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 inside the top ten for runs behind the defence.
Tracking data shows he has recorded one of the highest top speeds in the league this season, underscoring his off‑the‑ball intensity. Farke emphasized that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution goes beyond scoring.
“It’s not just about the goals,” he said. “His work‑rate is top‑class.” The striker leads Leeds in pressing, frequently cutting off passing lanes, forcing turnovers and helping his side win the ball in dangerous zones.
Only six teams have forced more high‑press turnovers than Leeds since the start of last term. Availability has also been crucial to his resurgence. Injuries made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds, but he has avoided the recurring problems that plagued him at Everton. The club has managed his minutes carefully – Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts – yet he still logged nearly 80 % of the league minutes last season, his highest ratio since 2020/21, and has already featured in 92 % of this term’s minutes.
Consistent selection has benefited 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 score in his sixth consecutive Premier League home match, and based on his current form, anyone betting against him would be taking a serious risk. The column also shifts focus to another striker, Brian Brobbey, whose hold‑up play has drawn praise.
The Dutch international, who netted three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season, but his performance against Arsenal showcased his physical strength and ability to retain possession under pressure. GeniusIQ data confirms he has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using his body to shield a defender and keep the ball – than any other player this season, repeating his lead from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is delighted with Brobbey’s impact, stating, “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is really competitive.” Sunderland will need a similar display at the Etihad Stadium. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is another player to watch.
The 23‑year‑old impressed in last weekend’s Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, matching Rodri’s passing volume and final‑third involvement from the previous season while winning a comparable number of duels. Those similarities suggest a smooth transition under City’s new manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham’s chances of causing further misery for Manchester United on Sunday are uncertain.
They have yet to win a Premier League match under Alvaro Arbeloa, but young striker Josh King is in fine form and could provide the spark they need. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League games this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest versus Coventry, followed on Sunday by 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 link between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured. Don’t forget to play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free!