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 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 watch this weekend After a technical correction from the goal‑accreditation appeals panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now sits on three Premier League goals for the current season – a tally that places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
The adjustment is more than a numbers game; it underlines why the England manager has reinstated him in the national squad. Considering all competitions, Calvert‑Lewin has found the net nine times in 15 appearances since April.
Leeds United manager Daniel Farke praised the striker after his standout performance in the 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, “He’s in superb shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Throughout his career, Calvert‑Lewin has demonstrated an instinct for occupying the most dangerous zones inside the box. Shot‑map data from his Leeds spell and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from central areas. The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals.
At Everton, wastefulness was a recurring criticism. Yet, in his first few months at Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored over his last four seasons with the Toffees. Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher summed it up: “Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player.” The numbers back that sentiment. The gap between Calvert‑Lewin’s expected goals (xG) and his actual tally has narrowed dramatically, indicating 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 illustrated the variety of his attacking arsenal. The first goal came from a textbook leap and powerful header off James Justin’s cross.
The second was a lightning‑quick run behind the defence, latching onto Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass and finishing cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke labelled him “one of the standout strikers in the league” after that match, and with his renewed sharpness, it’s hard to argue otherwise.
At 29, Calvert‑Lewin blends pace with aerial prowess, making him a dual‑threat. He can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent runs that stretch the back line and create space for teammates. Statistically, his all‑round game is evident. He shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and is one of the few players who rank both among the top ten for aerial success and for runs in behind.
Tracking data shows he regularly hits some of the highest top‑speeds recorded in the Premier League this season, underscoring his off‑the‑ball energy. Farke emphasized that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution goes beyond goal‑scoring: “His work‑rate is top‑notch.
It’s not just about finding the net.” The striker also leads Leeds in pressing, frequently cutting out passing lanes, forcing turnovers, and helping his side regain possession in dangerous areas. Leeds have recorded only six teams that have forced more high‑press turnovers than they have since the start of last term. Injury history was a major concern when Leeds signed him on a free transfer, but so far he has avoided the recurring problems that hampered him at Everton. The club has managed his minutes prudently – Farke has substituted 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 available minutes this campaign.
Consistent selection appears to be paying dividends for both player and club. Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, a match broadcast live on Sky Sports on Sunday.
Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to extend his streak of Premier League home goals to six consecutive matches. Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise. Switching focus, another striker making headlines is Brian Brobbey.
The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season, but his hold‑up play against Arsenal was nothing short of a masterclass. He repeatedly shielded the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa, using his physical strength to retain possession and provide Sunderland with a reliable outlet for long balls. Data from GeniusIQ confirms Brobbey’s dominance in this area: he has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using the body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating a feat from the previous term despite starting only 22 games.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is pleased with the striker’s impact, stating, “The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is highly competitive.” The club will be eager for a similar display at the Etihad Stadium. Elsewhere, Elliot Anderson is expected to be a key figure in disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday. The 23‑year‑old, who arrived at Manchester City for £116 million from Nottingham Forest, appears to be filling the void left by Rodri. In the recent Manchester derby, Anderson matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile, Fulham will look to add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend. Although they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King is in fine form and could prove decisive. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures 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, and Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, with Fulham versus Manchester United slated for 4.30 pm.
Last week’s column also highlighted the on‑field chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) received mention. Don’t miss the chance to play Super 6 for a shot at £1 million – entry is free!