Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical 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 the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to watch this weekend An administrative correction from the goal‑accreditation appeals panel has officially credited Dominic Calvert‑Lewin with three Premier League goals this season, moving him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland on the league’s scoring chart.
The adjustment reflects his true contribution and has helped secure his place back in the England squad. When you consider 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 standout 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 possessed an instinct for positioning. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons with Everton reveal a heavy concentration of attempts from the central area of the box.
The key difference now is his improved conversion rate. Where his finishing at Everton was often criticised as wasteful, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton in just a handful of games for Leeds. As former England defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The statistical picture supports this narrative.
The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that he is finally translating quality chances into points on the board. Carragher added, “Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here.” His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking arsenal. The first was a textbook leap‑and‑header that met James Justin’s cross perfectly.
The second showcased his pace: a blistering run behind the defence to meet Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass, finishing cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke hailed him as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match, a sentiment that is hard to dispute now that Calvert‑Lewin has rediscovered his cutting edge. At 29, the striker blends raw speed with aerial power.
Monday’s performance reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses while also making incisive runs that stretch the opposition and create space for teammates. His completeness as a No 9 is evident in the numbers as well.
He is currently tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season alongside 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 recorded in the league this campaign.
Moreover, his off‑the‑ball work rate benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. Farke noted, “It’s not just scoring goals; his work‑rate is top‑class.” Defensively, Calvert‑Lewin’s pressing helps Leeds win the ball high up the field.
He consistently shuts down opposing defenders, blocks passing lanes and forces turnovers. Since the start of last term, only six teams have forced more high‑press turnovers than Leeds, a statistic to which his relentless effort contributes. 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 appear risky. Yet he has avoided any major setbacks so far, and the club has managed his minutes carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, but the striker 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 term.
Consistent selection has paid dividends for both player and club, and Leeds will be hoping the trend continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home league games to six. Given his current form, it would be unwise to bet against him. Switching focus, another powerful striker is making waves – 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 nothing short of spectacular. He repeatedly out‑muscled centre‑back Ezri Konsa, shielding the ball and allowing Sunderland to progress up the pitch. Data from GeniusIQ confirms Brobbey’s dominance in this area: he has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as using his 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 delighted with the striker’s contributions. “The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he is truly competitive,” he said.
Sunderland will need a similar display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. In midfield, Elliot Anderson is expected to play a pivotal role in limiting Brobbey’s influence on Sunday. The 23‑year‑old, who cost Manchester City £116 million from Nottingham Forest, appears to be fulfilling the massive responsibilities 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 are looking to add pressure on Manchester United this weekend. Though they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they possess a promising talent in Josh King, who is currently in fine form.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches live 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 at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column highlighted the chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured prominently. Don’t forget to try the Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free!