Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical 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 the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to keep an eye on 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 early scoring chart. The adjustment underscores why the England manager has welcomed him back into the national squad.
**Performance Across All Competitions** When you factor in cup matches and other fixtures, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April. Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised the striker after a dominant 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” **Positional Intelligence and Finishing** Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed a knack for drifting into dangerous zones. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from the central areas of the box.
The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was marred by wastefulness; he often created opportunities but failed to finish them. Remarkably, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored during his last four seasons at Everton, despite being at Leeds for a much shorter period. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher summed it up: “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” **Closing the Gap Between Expected and Actual Goals** Advanced metrics show a narrowing gap between Calvert‑Lewin’s expected goals (xG) and his actual tally, indicating he is emerging from a prolonged finishing slump.
Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” **A Versatile Threat Illustrated Against Newcastle** His brace against Newcastle displayed the breadth of his skill set. First, he rose powerfully to meet James Justin’s cross, directing a textbook header into the net.
Later, he timed a blistering run behind the defense, received Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass, and slotted the ball past the keeper. Farke hailed him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match, a sentiment reinforced by his renewed goal‑scoring edge. **Physical Attributes: Speed and Aerial Power** At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines pace with aerial dominance.
The Leeds win reminded everyone how he can out‑muscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making diagonal runs that stretch defensive lines and create space for teammates. Statistically, 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 defense.
Tracking data confirms he has recorded some of the highest top‑speeds recorded in the Premier League this season. His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable; he presses aggressively, forces errors, and contributes to Leeds’ defensive shape.
As Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑class.” **Defensive Contributions and Turnovers** Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing has helped Leeds force turnovers high up the pitch. Only six teams have generated more high‑press turnovers than Leeds since the start of the previous season, and his role in that statistic is significant. He consistently closes down opposition defenders, blocks passing lanes, and helps his side regain possession in dangerous areas.
**Injury Management and Availability** When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history made the deal appear risky. However, he has avoided any major setbacks so far, staying fit enough to feature in 92 % of Leeds’ minutes this term. Farke has been careful with his workload, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts, yet the striker still logged nearly 80 % of total Premier League minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21.
**Looking Ahead: Palace Clash** Leeds will hope this consistency continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, a match broadcast live on Sky Sports on Sunday. Calvert‑Lewin will aim to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League games, now targeting a sixth straight goal. **Other Strikers in the Spotlight** The column also highlighted Sunderland’s Brian Brobbey, a Dutch‑born forward who netted three goals at the World Cup but has yet to open his Premier League account for Sunderland this season.
Despite the drought, his hold‑up play against Arsenal earned high praise. GeniusIQ data shows Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – instances where a player shields the ball with his body to retain possession – than any other player this season, replicating his dominance from the previous term. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised the youngster, saying, “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is really competitive.” The team will need a similar performance when they travel to the Etihad Stadium.
**Midfield Battle: Elliot Anderson vs. Brobbey** Manchester City’s recent £116 million signing Elliot Anderson is expected to help contain Brobbey on Sunday. Anderson, who arrived from Nottingham Forest, appears to be filling the creative void left by Rodri.
In his debut Manchester derby, he produced a passing volume and final‑third involvement almost identical to Rodri’s last‑season figures, while also matching his duel‑winning rate. Manager Enzo Maresca believes the transition has been smooth so far.
**Fulham’s Quest Against Manchester United** Fulham, still winless in the Premier League under Alvaro Arbeloa, will look to cause trouble for Manchester United on Sunday. Young striker Josh King has been in fine form and could be a key factor. **Weekend Broadcast Schedule** Sky Sports will air five Premier League matches this weekend.
The action kicks off on Friday night with Brentford versus Chelsea, 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. **Previous Column Highlights** Last week’s column dissected the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, featured Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, and highlighted Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili’s goal against Ipswich.
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