Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight essential Premier League narratives. This edition covers: - Calvert-Lewin's all‑round attacking prowess - Brobbey's mastery of hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri's role - A player to keep an eye on this weekend After a technical correction by the goal accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now registers three Premier League goals for the current season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the scoring chart. His updated tally has rightly earned him a recall to the England squad.
*Please view the accompanying video using Chrome for optimal accessibility.* When all competitions are considered, 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 decisive performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, noting, "He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence." Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed a natural instinct for occupying the right spaces inside the box.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a concentration of attempts from central areas. The key difference now is his increased conversion rate.
At Everton, his inefficiency in front of goal often defined his reputation. Yet, since joining Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored during his last four seasons with the Toffees. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, "Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player," underscoring the transformative effect of his transfer. The statistical evidence supports this narrative: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that he is finally delivering on the chances he creates.
Carragher added, "Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here." Calvert‑Lewin’s brace against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his threat. First, he rose powerfully to meet James Justin’s cross, directing a textbook header into the net. Moments later, he timed a blistering run behind the defense, received Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass, and finished cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Farke described him post‑match as "one of the standout strikers in the league," a sentiment that now carries weight given his revived goal‑scoring edge. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines pace with aerial dominance—a rare blend for a traditional No 9. The Newcastle game reminded observers how he can outmuscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making intelligent diagonal runs that stretch opposition lines. The numbers back his completeness.
He shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is the only forward near the top of that list who also ranks within the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest sprint speeds in the Premier League this season, highlighting his off‑the‑ball intensity, which benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. Farke emphasized, "It’s not just about scoring; his work‑rate is top‑notch." Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing, ability to block passing lanes, and knack for forcing turnovers have helped Leeds become one of the teams that generate the most high‑pressure turnovers since the start of last term—only six sides have forced more. Availability has been a crucial factor in his resurgence.
Leeds took a calculated risk signing him on a free transfer despite his previous injury history at Everton. So far, he has avoided any major setbacks, and the coaching staff have managed his workload carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 league starts, yet Calvert‑Lewin still logged nearly 80 % of Leeds’ total Premier League minutes last season—the highest proportion since 2020‑21—and has already featured in 92 % of this term’s minutes. Consistent selection has proven beneficial for both player and club.
Leeds will hope to maintain this momentum when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, live on Sky Sports on Sunday, with Calvert‑Lewin aiming to extend his streak of scoring in six consecutive home league matches. Given his current form, betting against him would be ill‑advised. The column also shifts focus to another powerful 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 delivered a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His physical battle with centre‑back Ezri Konsa showcased his ability to shield the ball and retain possession under pressure. According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey recorded more hold‑ups this season than any other player—a metric that measures how often a forward uses his body to protect the ball from defenders.
He topped the same chart last term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris remains optimistic, stating, "The performance against Arsenal proves that even against the strongest teams, he is highly competitive." Sunderland will look for a repeat performance at the Etihad when they face Manchester City. Turning to midfield, Elliot Anderson is expected to play a key role in disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday. The 23‑year‑old, who cost £116 million from Nottingham Forest, appears to be adapting well to the vacancy left by Rodri at Manchester City.
In the recent Manchester derby, Anderson matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and recorded a comparable number of duel wins, suggesting a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may aim to cause further trouble for Manchester United this weekend. Though they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King has been in fine form and could be a decisive factor. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures live this weekend, beginning with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night.
Saturday’s action features Nottingham Forest against Coventry, followed on Sunday by four matches: 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, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured.
For a chance to win £1 million, play Super 6 – entry is free.