Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports' data‑driven column where Nick Wright mixes statistics with insight to highlight the Premier League stories that matter. This week’s focus includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking prowess - Brobbey as a hold‑up specialist - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s role - A player to watch this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has confirmed that Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now boasts three Premier League goals for the current season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. This updated tally has earned him a well‑deserved recall to the England squad.
When you factor in 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 a 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United, saying, "He is in outstanding shape and playing with a lot of confidence." Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed an instinct for positioning. Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton reveal a concentration of attempts from the heart of the penalty area.
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 around a certain degree of wastefulness; he often created opportunities but failed to finish them. Since joining Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton. As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, "Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player." The numbers back up that sentiment.
The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that 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 attacking skill set.
The first was a textbook leap and header that met James Justin’s cross perfectly. The second showcased his speed and timing – a darting run behind the defence to meet Tarik Muharemović’s first‑time pass, finishing cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Farke described him after the match as "one of the standout strikers in the league," and now that Calvert‑Lewin has rediscovered his cutting edge, it is hard to argue otherwise. At 29, the striker combines pace with aerial power – a rare blend for a traditional No 9.
Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent runs that stretch the opposition and create space behind the back line. The statistical profile reinforces his completeness.
Calvert‑Lewin is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is one of the few players near the top of that list who also ranks among the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has logged some of the highest top‑speed readings in the league this term. His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing, closing passing lanes, and helping Leeds win the ball in dangerous areas.
As Farke noted, "It's not just scoring goals – his work‑rate is top‑notch." Leeds have been among the most aggressive pressing sides, forcing turnovers at a rate only six teams have surpassed since the start of last season. Calvert‑Lewin’s relentless pressure is a key factor in that statistic. Availability has also been crucial to his resurgence. When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal appear risky.
So far, he has avoided the recurring muscle problems that hampered his previous spell, allowing him to feature regularly. Farke has managed his minutes carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts. Nonetheless, Calvert‑Lewin played almost 80 % of Leeds’ Premier League minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and this term his involvement has risen to 92 % of total minutes. Consistent selection has benefited both player and club, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Calvert‑Lewin will be aiming to net a goal for the sixth consecutive home league match. Given his current form, betting against him would be ill‑advised. The column also turns its attention to another striker, Brian Brobbey, who has become Sunderland’s hold‑up maestro.
The Dutch‑born forward, a World Cup scorer, has yet to open his Premier League account for Sunderland this season, but he delivered a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His physical battle with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a spectacle; Brobbey repeatedly used his body to shield the ball, allowing Sunderland to retain possession and launch attacks up the pitch. According to analytics platform GeniusIQ, Brobbey recorded more hold‑up actions – defined as using the body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating his dominance from the previous campaign despite starting only 22 games.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised the young striker, saying, "The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams in the league or Europe, he is highly competitive." Brobbey will need to replicate that display at the Etihad against Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, the £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to help Manchester City neutralise Brobbey’s influence on Sunday. Anderson has already shown he can fill the void left by Rodri; in the recent Manchester derby he matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and won a comparable number of duels, suggesting a smooth transition under new manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may cause further trouble for Manchester United on Sunday.
Though they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they possess a promising talent in Josh King, who has been in fine form. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League fixtures this weekend. The slate begins with Brentford versus Chelsea on Friday night, followed by Nottingham Forest versus Coventry on Saturday. Sunday’s lineup includes Bournemouth versus Liverpool, Leeds versus Crystal Palace, and Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, with Fulham versus Manchester United kicking off at 4.30 pm.
Last week’s column highlighted the statistical chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili also featured in the analysis. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.