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 week’s focus includes: - Calvert‑Lewin’s all‑round attacking threat - Brobbey as the ultimate hold‑up specialist - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes at City - A player to keep an eye on this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has officially credited Dominic Calvert‑Lewin with three Premier League goals this season, moving his tally to just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland. The adjustment not only reflects his recent scoring surge but also underpins his well‑deserved return to the England squad. (For the best viewing experience, use Chrome.) When you look at 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, noting, “He’s in superb shape and playing with a lot of confidence.” The data tells a clear story: Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed an instinct for positioning. Shot‑map analyses from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton show a heavy concentration of attempts from the centre of the box. What has changed is his conversion rate – he is now turning a far higher proportion of those chances into goals.
At Everton, his reputation was built on wastefulness; he often found himself on the wrong side of the net despite creating opportunities. Remarkably, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored in his last four seasons at Everton, now doing so in just a handful of games for Leeds.
Sky Sports legend Jamie Carragher summed it up: “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The underlying metrics reinforce this turnaround. The gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that the finishing funk that haunted him for years is finally fading. 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 that powered past James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him sprint past the defence, latch onto Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly beyond the keeper. Farke labelled him “one of the standout strikers in the league” after the match, a sentiment that now seems hard to dispute. At 29, Calvert‑Lewin combines raw speed with aerial dominance – a rare blend for a traditional No 9. Monday’s game reminded everyone how he can out‑muscle centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make incisive runs behind a high line, stretching defences and creating space for teammates.
Statistically, his completeness shines through. He is tied with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season, and he is the only forward among the leaders in that category who also ranks within the top ten for runs behind the defence. Tracking data shows he has logged some of the highest top‑speed readings in the league, underlining his threat on the break.
His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable. Farke highlighted that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution isn’t limited to scoring; his relentless pressing forces turnovers, blocks passing lanes and helps Leeds win the ball in dangerous zones. Only six teams have generated more high‑intensity turnovers than Leeds since the start of the previous campaign, a testament to his defensive commitment.
Injury concerns once made his free‑transfer signing a gamble for Leeds. So far, he has avoided the recurring muscle problems that plagued his Everton days.
The club has managed his minutes carefully – he has been subbed off in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts – but he still featured in nearly 80 % of Leeds’ league minutes last season, his highest proportion since 2020/21, and his involvement has risen to 92 % this term. Consistent selection has benefitted both player and club, and Leeds will hope the pattern continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road, live on Sky Sports on Sunday. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his streak of scoring in consecutive home Premier League fixtures.
Given his current form, doubting his impact would be unwise. The column also turns its gaze to another striker, Brian Brobbey. The Dutch‑born forward, 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 shielded the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa, using his strength to retain possession and provide Sunderland with a reliable outlet.
According to 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, repeating his dominance from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris praised his contribution: “The performance 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. Elsewhere, Elliot Anderson is set to test Brobbey’s influence on Sunday. The £116 million Manchester City acquisition from Nottingham Forest appears to be filling the void left by Rodri.
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, suggesting a smooth transition under Enzo Maresca. Fulham’s potential to cause United trouble is also highlighted.
Though Alvaro Arbeloa’s side have yet to secure a Premier League win under his stewardship, striker Josh King is in fine form and could be a key factor. Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches this weekend, beginning with Brentford vs Chelsea on Friday night, followed by Nottingham Forest vs Coventry on Saturday, and a Sunday lineup featuring Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Leeds vs Crystal Palace, Manchester City vs Sunderland, and finally Fulham vs Manchester United at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column uncovered 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.
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