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 focuses on four key themes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey as a hold‑up specialist - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes at City - A player to keep an eye on this weekend Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s goal tally for the season has been officially corrected after an appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel, lifting his total to three Premier League goals. That modest figure now places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart, and it has earned him a well‑deserved recall to 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 after the striker’s starring performance in a 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 analysis from his time at both Leeds and Everton shows a concentration of attempts from the centre of the box. The crucial difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals.
At Everton, his reputation was built on wastefulness; he often produced quality chances but failed to finish them. Since joining Leeds, however, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his final four seasons at Everton. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher summed up the situation succinctly: “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The data backs up that sentiment.
The gap between Calvert‑Lewin’s expected goals (xG) and his actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating he is finally overcoming the finishing slump that once plagued him. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his skill set. The first was a textbook leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him sprint into space, latch onto Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Farke described the striker as “one of the standout forwards in the league” after the match, and it is hard to argue with that assessment now that his sharpness has returned. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines pace with aerial power – a rare blend for a traditional No 9.
The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make intelligent runs that stretch defences and create space behind them. His all‑roundness is reflected in the statistics as well.
He is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player 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 league this term, underlining his off‑the‑ball intensity. Farke emphasized that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution goes beyond scoring: “It’s not just about goals. His work‑rate is top‑notch.” The striker leads Leeds’ pressing efforts, frequently closing down opposition defenders, blocking passing lanes and helping his side win back possession in dangerous zones.
Only six clubs have forced more high‑press turnovers than Leeds since the start of last season. Injury availability has also been a decisive factor in his resurgence. Leeds took a gamble signing him on a free transfer given his previous injury history at Everton, but so far he has avoided any major setbacks.
The club has managed his minutes carefully – he has been substituted in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts – yet he still logged nearly 80 % of the total league minutes last season, his highest proportion since 2020/21, and has already featured in 92 % of Leeds’ 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 this Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of Premier League home goals to six consecutive matches. Given his current form, it would be unwise to bet against him.
The column also turns its attention to another powerful striker, Brian Brobbey. The Dutch‑born forward, who netted three times at the World Cup, has yet to open his scoring 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 analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, and he topped the same metric last term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised the striker’s performance: “The game against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he is highly competitive.” The team will need a similar display at the Etihad against Manchester City. The column also highlights Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest who is expected to fill the creative void left by Rodri at Manchester City. In his debut derby win at Old Trafford, Anderson matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under interim coach Enzo Maresca.
Finally, the piece notes that Fulham could cause trouble for Manchester United on Sunday. Although Fulham have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King is in fine form and could be a key factor. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend, starting with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night, 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 Fulham versus Manchester United at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column also explored the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, featured Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, and highlighted Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili before his goal against Ipswich. For those seeking extra excitement, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.