Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright blends statistics with sharp analysis to highlight the Premier League stories that matter most. This week’s focus includes: - The all‑round threat posed by Dominic Calvert‑Lewin - Brian Brobbey’s mastery of hold‑up play - Elliot Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes at Manchester City - A player to watch in the upcoming weekend fixtures An administrative correction from the goal‑accreditation appeals panel has officially raised Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s Premier League tally to three goals this season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart.
The adjustment underscores why the England manager has welcomed him back into the national squad. When all competitions are considered, 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, noting, “He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” Throughout his career, Calvert‑Lewin has demonstrated an instinct for occupying the most dangerous areas inside the box. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons with Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from central positions.
The key difference now is his conversion rate – he is turning a higher proportion of those chances into goals. At Everton, his reputation was built on a tendency to waste opportunities, but his early return to Leeds has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at the Merseyside club.
As former England defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a change of environment can rejuvenate a player.” The underlying analytics confirm that the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that his finishing touch has returned. Carragher added, “Perhaps composure has let him down in the past, but not here.” Calvert‑Lewin’s brace against Newcastle showcased the breadth of his attacking skill set. The first goal came from a textbook leap and powerful header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second displayed his speed: a blistering run behind the defence, receiving a first‑time pass from Tarik Muharemovic and finishing cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke described him as "one of the standout strikers in the league" after the match, and with his renewed goal‑scoring form, that assessment is hard to dispute.
At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines raw pace with aerial prowess, making him a dual threat. He can out‑muscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, and he also makes intelligent diagonal runs that stretch defenses and create space for teammates. Statistically, his all‑roundness is evident.
He is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season alongside Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only forward among the top ten players for successful runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has recorded some of the highest top‑speed readings in the league, underlining his physical edge. His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable. Farke highlighted that Calvert‑Lewin contributes defensively by pressing aggressively, closing down opposition defenders, and intercepting passes.
Leeds United rank among the lowest in the league for high‑turnover situations, with only six teams forcing more turnovers than them since the start of last season – a testament to the striker’s defensive contribution. Injury concerns have long haunted Calvert‑Lewin’s career, making his free‑transfer move to Leeds appear risky. However, he has remained largely fit, avoiding the recurring muscle problems that plagued him at Everton.
Leeds have managed his workload carefully; Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, yet he still featured in roughly 80% of the team’s minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and has already logged 92% of available minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has benefited both player and club, and Leeds will hope the trend continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road this Sunday, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League games to six.
Given his current form, it would be unwise to underestimate his impact. The column also turns its attention to another powerful forward, 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 enable Sunderland to progress up the pitch.
Data from GeniusIQ shows Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, a distinction he also earned last term despite starting only 22 matches. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised the striker, saying, “The performance against Arsenal demonstrates that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he remains highly competitive.” Sunderland will need a similar display at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to play a key role in disrupting Brobbey’s supply line on Sunday.
Early indications suggest Anderson is adapting well to the void left by Rodri in City’s midfield. In the recent Manchester derby, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham’s prospects against Manchester United are also discussed. Although Fulham have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King is in fine form and could pose a threat.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures 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 link between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili also featured in the analysis. For those looking for extra excitement, the Super 6 competition offers a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.