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 hold‑up play - Anderson stepping into Rodri’s role - A player to watch this weekend After an appeal to the goal‑accreditation panel, Dominic Calvert‑Lewin’s tally has been corrected to three Premier League goals for the current season, placing him just behind Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in the league’s scoring chart. The adjustment reflects his true contribution and has helped him earn a place back in the England squad. When you view the video highlights, using Chrome will give you the best experience.
Looking at 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.” Calvert‑Lewin has always possessed an instinct for positioning.
Shot‑map data from his time at Leeds and his final two seasons at Everton show a dense cluster of attempts from the centre of the box. 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 wastefulness; he often produced quality chances but failed to finish them.
Remarkably, 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 Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher noted, “Sometimes a move rejuvenates a player.” The underlying analytics confirm that 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 brace against Newcastle illustrated the breadth of his attacking arsenal. The first goal came from a classic leap and header to meet James Justin’s cross, while the second saw him make a darting run behind the defence, receive Tarik Muharemovic’s first‑time pass and finish cleanly past the goalkeeper. Farke called him “one of the standout strikers in the league” after that match. Now that Calvert‑Lewin has rediscovered his cutting edge, it is hard to argue otherwise.
At 29, he combines pace with aerial power – a rare blend for a traditional No 9. The Newcastle game reminded everyone how he can dominate centre‑backs on long balls and crosses, yet also make intelligent runs that stretch the back line and create space behind.
His all‑round completeness is reflected in the numbers as well. He is tied for the most aerial duels won in the Premier League this season with Sunderland defender Dan Ballard, and he is the only player near the top of that list who also ranks inside 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.
His off‑the‑ball work rate is equally valuable. Farke highlighted that Calvert‑Lewin’s contribution is not limited to scoring; his relentless pressing helps Leeds win the ball high up the pitch. "It’s not just scoring goals," the manager said.
"His work‑rate is top." Statistically, Leeds have forced more high‑turnover situations than almost any other side since the start of last term, and Calvert‑Lewin is a key driver of that pressure, often closing down defenders, blocking passing lanes and helping his team regain possession in dangerous areas. Availability has also played a huge role in 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 any major setbacks, staying fit and playing a substantial proportion of minutes. Farke has managed his workload carefully, substituting him in 15 of his 34 league starts. Nonetheless, Calvert‑Lewin featured in nearly 80 % of Leeds’ Premier League minutes last season – his highest involvement since 2020/21 – and already accounts for 92 % of the team’s minutes this term.
This consistency has benefited both player and club, and they will be hoping it continues when Crystal Palace visit Elland Road on Sunday, live on Sky Sports, with Calvert‑Lewin targeting a sixth consecutive home league goal. Given his current form, betting against him would be unwise.
The column also shifts focus to another striker, Brian Brobbey. The Dutch international, who scored three goals at the World Cup, has yet to open his account for Sunderland this season, but his hold‑up play against Arsenal was a masterclass. He repeatedly shielded the ball from centre‑back Ezri Konsa, using his physical strength to retain possession and give Sunderland a reliable outlet for long balls.
According to GeniusIQ, Brobbey has logged more hold‑up instances – defined as using his body to protect the ball from a defender – than any other player this season, repeating the feat from the previous term despite starting only 22 games. Although the goals have not yet materialised, Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris is pleased with his contributions: "The performance against Arsenal shows that even against the strongest teams, he remains highly competitive," he said.
Sunderland will need a similar display at the Etihad when they face Manchester City. Elliot Anderson, Manchester City’s £116 million acquisition from Nottingham Forest, is expected to help curb Brobbey’s influence on Sunday.
Early data suggests Anderson is mirroring the passing volume and forward‑third involvement of former City midfielder Rodri, while also matching his duel‑winning numbers, indicating a smooth transition under manager Enzo Maresca. Meanwhile, Fulham may add to Manchester United’s woes this weekend. Though they have yet to secure a Premier League win under Alvaro Arbeloa, striker Josh King is in fine form and could cause problems for United’s defence.
Sky Sports will broadcast five Premier League matches this weekend, starting 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 pm, and finally Fulham versus Manchester United at 4.30 pm. Last week’s column also highlighted the chemistry between Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Anan Khalaili (who scored against Ipswich) receiving mention. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1 million – entry is free!