Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' analytical column where Nick Wright blends statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League's most compelling narratives. This edition focuses on four key storylines: - Calvert-Lewin's evolution into an all‑round attacking threat - Brian Brobbey's mastery of hold‑up play - Elliot Anderson stepping into Rodri's shoes at Manchester City - A player to keep an eye on this weekend Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after a successful appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel, now registers three Premier League goals for the current season. That tally places him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring hierarchy and has earned him a well‑deserved recall to 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 fitness and confidence after the striker’s standout performance in a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday, describing him as being in "outstanding shape and playing with lots of confidence." Historically, Calvert‑Lewin has possessed an uncanny ability to position himself in dangerous areas. Shot‑map data from his time at both Leeds and Everton reveal a dense cluster of attempts from the heart of the penalty area. The crucial difference now is his improved conversion rate.
Where once his finishing was erratic at Everton, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his final four seasons with the Toffees in just a handful of games for Leeds. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher summed it up succinctly: "Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player." The statistical picture underscores a narrowing gap between expected goals (xG) and actual goals, indicating that Calvert‑Lewin is finally delivering on the quality of chances he creates. Carragher added, "Maybe composure let him down in the past, but not here." His two goals against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking repertoire. The first was a classic leap‑and‑header, meeting James Justin's cross with authority.
The second showcased his pace: a swift run behind the defence, latching onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finishing cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke lauded him as "one of the standout strikers in the league" after the match, a sentiment that is increasingly hard to dispute now that his goal‑scoring instincts have resurfaced. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin blends speed with aerial prowess—a combination that makes him a genuine "No 9" in the modern game. He can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent diagonal runs that stretch opposition lines and create space for teammates.
His versatility is reflected in the numbers: he is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season alongside Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he ranks among the top ten players for successful runs behind the defence. Tracking data confirms that he has recorded some of the highest top‑speed runs in the league this term. Moreover, his off‑the‑ball work rate benefits Leeds on both ends of the pitch. Farke emphasized this, stating, "It's not just scoring goals; his work‑rate is top‑class." Defensively, Calvert‑Lewin contributes by pressing high, cutting off passing lanes, and forcing turnovers.
Leeds have forced more high‑press turnovers than all but five other clubs since the start of last season, a statistic to which his intensity is a major factor. Injury concerns had initially made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds, given his history of fitness problems at Everton. However, he has remained largely injury‑free, and the coaching staff have managed his minutes carefully.
While he has been substituted in 15 of his 34 league starts, he still logged nearly 80% of Leeds' total Premier League minutes last season—the highest proportion since 2020/21—and has already played 92% of available minutes this campaign. Consistent selection has paid dividends, and Leeds will be hoping for a repeat performance when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road this Sunday, a match that will be broadcast 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, any prediction against him would be reckless.
The column also shifts focus to another emerging 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 his recent display against Arsenal highlighted his exceptional hold‑up abilities. In a physical battle with centre‑back Ezri Konsa, Brobbey repeatedly shielded the ball, using his strength to retain possession from long balls and providing Sunderland with a reliable outlet. Data from GeniusIQ shows that Brobbey has recorded more hold‑up actions—defined as using his body to protect the ball from defenders—than any other player this season, repeating a feat from the previous campaign despite limited starts.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his competitiveness, noting that the Arsenal match demonstrated his capacity to challenge even the strongest opponents. Sunderland will be eager for Brobbey to replicate that performance at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million midfielder signed from Nottingham Forest, is another player to watch. In Manchester City's recent derby win at Old Trafford, Anderson matched Rodri's passing volume and final‑third involvement from the previous season, while also winning a comparable number of duels.
These parallels suggest a smooth transition under new manager Enzo Maresca, as Anderson helps fill the void left by Rodri in the midfield engine room. Finally, the column touches on potential upsets. Fulham could cause trouble for Manchester United on Sunday; although they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King is in fine form and could be the catalyst for a surprise result. 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, Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 p.m., and finally Fulham versus Manchester United at 4.30 p.m. Last week’s column also explored the on‑pitch chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, highlighted Alex Scott’s impact for Bournemouth, and noted Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili, who scored against Ipswich.
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