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 focus includes: - 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 After a decision by the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now officially has three Premier League goals this season, a tally that puts him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The correction has helped cement his place back in the England squad. For a smoother viewing experience, use Chrome to access the video player.
When you look at 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 starring performance in the 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has been adept at finding space in dangerous areas. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a concentration of attempts from the centre 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 often linked to wastefulness, but the numbers tell a different story at Leeds. He has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons with Everton in just a handful of games for his new club.
As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The underlying analytics confirm that the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed, indicating that he is finally shedding the finishing funk that once plagued him. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His brace against Newcastle showcased the variety of his attacking arsenal.
The first goal came from a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second was a swift run behind the defence to collect Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass and finish past the goalkeeper. Farke labelled him “one of the standout strikers in the league” after that match, and it is hard to argue otherwise now that his goal‑scoring instincts have returned. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin blends pace with aerial prowess. Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can out‑muscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while his intelligent runs stretch the opposition and create space behind the back line.
The statistics back up his claim to being a complete No 9. He shares the top spot for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is the only player near the summit of that list who also ranks among the top ten for runs in behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded one of the highest top speeds recorded in the Premier League this season.
His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing, cutting passing lanes and forcing turnovers. Farke summed it up: “It’s not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑class.” Leeds have been among the teams that force the most high‑pressure turnovers, and Calvert‑Lewin plays a pivotal role in that defensive intensity, often disrupting opponents in dangerous zones. 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 a gamble.
So far, he has avoided the recurring problems that once limited his playing time. Leeds have managed his workload carefully; Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 league starts.
Nevertheless, he logged nearly 80% of Leeds’ Premier League minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already featured in 92% of the 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 score in his sixth consecutive Premier League home match. Given his current form, it would be unwise to bet against him.
The column also turns to another striker, Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, who netted three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season, but his hold‑up play against Arsenal was a masterclass. He repeatedly shielded the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa, using his strength to retain possession and provide Sunderland with a reliable outlet. According to GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as using the body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading tally from the previous term despite starting only 22 games.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is pleased with the striker’s contributions. “The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he is highly competitive,” he said.
Sunderland will need a similar display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. Elliot Anderson is another player to watch.
The £116 million signing from Nottingham Forest appears ready to fill the creative void left by Rodri at Manchester City. In the recent Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s pass numbers in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes on Sunday. Although they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, young forward Josh King is in fine form and could be a decisive factor.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night. Saturday’s action includes 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 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. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.