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’s mastery of the hold‑up game - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s shoes - A player to watch this weekend An appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel has confirmed that Dominic Calvert‑Lewin now has three Premier League goals this season, putting him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. The adjustment has helped him earn a 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 fitness and confidence after the striker’s standout performance in the 4‑1 victory over Newcastle United on Monday. Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed a keen sense of positioning.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton show a heavy concentration of attempts from the centre of the box. The key difference now is his improved conversion rate. At Everton, his reputation was marred by a tendency to waste chances.
Yet, since joining Leeds, he has already matched the total Premier League goals he scored during his last four seasons with the Toffees. As Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher observed, “Sometimes a change of environment can revive a player’s career.” The numbers back this narrative: the gap between his expected goals (xG) and actual goals has narrowed dramatically, indicating that he is finally delivering on the quality of chances he creates. Carragher added, “He may have lacked composure in the past, but that’s not the case here.” His double against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his skill set.
First, he leapt to meet James Justin’s cross with a textbook header. Then, he timed a blistering run behind the defence, received Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finished cleanly past the goalkeeper.
Farke described Calvert‑Lewin as “one of the standout strikers in the league” after that match. With his goal‑scoring touch restored, it is hard to dispute that assessment.
At 29, the striker combines pace with aerial prowess. The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, while also making intelligent diagonal runs that stretch defenses and create space for teammates. His completeness as a No 9 is reflected in the statistics. Calvert‑Lewin shares the league lead for aerial duels won with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard and 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 top‑speeds recorded in the Premier League this season. His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable, contributing defensively by pressing opponents, cutting passing lanes and helping Leeds win the ball in dangerous areas. As Farke noted, “It’s not just about scoring; his work‑rate is exceptional.” Leeds have benefited from his ability to force turnovers; only six teams have generated more high‑press turnovers than Leeds since the start of last term. Availability has also been a crucial factor in his resurgence.
When Leeds signed him on a free transfer, his injury history at Everton made the deal seem risky. So far, he has avoided the recurring problems that plagued his former club. Leeds have managed his workload carefully. Farke has substituted him in 15 of his 34 Premier League starts, yet he still featured in almost 80 % of the league minutes last season – his highest proportion since 2020/21 – and has already played 92 % of the minutes this campaign.
Consistent selection has helped all parties, and Leeds will hope the trend continues when they host Crystal Palace at Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Calvert‑Lewin will be looking to extend his run of home league goals to six consecutive matches. Given his current form, betting against him would be ill‑advised.
Switching focus, another striker worth watching is Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season but showcased a masterclass in hold‑up play against Arsenal. His duel with Arsenal centre‑back Ezri Konsa was a lesson in physicality.
Brobbey repeatedly shielded the ball, using his strength to retain possession from long balls and providing Sunderland with a reliable outlet to advance up the pitch. According to analytics firm GeniusIQ, Brobbey has recorded more hold‑ups – defined as moments where a player uses his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating his league‑leading performance from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is delighted with his contribution. “The performance against Arsenal shows that even against top‑class opposition, he remains highly competitive,” he said.
Sunderland will need a similar display when they travel to the Etihad Stadium. On the opposite side of the pitch, Elliot Anderson is set to play a key role in limiting Brobbey’s influence on Sunday. The £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest appears to be adapting well to the responsibilities left vacant by Rodri at Manchester City. In the recent Manchester derby win at Old Trafford, the 23‑year‑old matched Rodri’s passing volume in the final third and recorded a comparable number of duels won, suggesting a smooth transition under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend. Although they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, they possess a promising young talent in Josh King, who is currently in fine form. 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, and Manchester City versus Sunderland at 2 pm, with Fulham taking on Manchester United at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column highlighted the statistical synergy between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, while Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) also featured. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free.