Welcome to The Radar, Sky Sports’ column blending data and opinion on the Premier League’s must-read stories. This week: Daniel Farke’s underrated turnaround at Leeds, Jack Hinshelwood’s emergence as Brighton’s No. 10, Kieran Trippier’s farewell possibilities at Newcastle, and a player to watch.
Does Farke deserve more credit?
Daniel Farke’s work at Leeds has flown under the radar in many award conversations. After a poor run in November left Leeds in the relegation places and prompted talk of an impending sack, Farke changed course tactically in early December — most notably switching from a back four to a back three at half-time against Manchester City. That on-the-hoof reshuffle helped spark a seven-game unbeaten run and a clear improvement across the team.
Measured from the start of December, Leeds have the seventh-best record in the league, losing only four of 23 matches. The system change made them harder to break down and more effective going forward. Adding a third centre-back in Jaka Bijol stabilised the defence while wing-backs Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jayden Bogle supplied width, enabling the forward line to combine more intimately with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Calvert-Lewin had managed just one goal in his first ten Premier League appearances before the tactical switch; he has since scored 12 in 23.
Recruitment also played its part: Leeds signed ten players in the summer, mostly at their peak ages and physically ready for the Premier League’s demands. But the transformation needed a manager willing to rip up his blueprint and install a new one mid-season — and Farke did exactly that. Pundits and former players have noted the impact; the turnaround suggests his role in Leeds’ recovery deserves more recognition than he’s received.
Hinshelwood thriving at No. 10
Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood is one of the season’s pleasant surprises. The 21-year-old academy graduate, who initially broke through as a full-back under Roberto De Zerbi, has flourished after being pushed into a central attacking role by Fabian Hurzeler. Hinshelwood’s header inside the first minute of Brighton’s recent 3-0 win over Wolves was his third goal in as many league matches, and it underscored a growing knack for well-timed runs into the box.
Since moving into the No. 10 role roughly two months ago, Hinshelwood ranks among the Premier League leaders for runs that make him an option for a cross — only Evanilson and Cody Gakpo register more, according to Opta. That persistence and timing are central to his game: he not only creates scoring chances for himself but also generates space for team-mates through his movement. Hurzeler has highlighted Hinshelwood’s positional instincts and desire to get into scoring areas as key factors behind his recent productive spell. With England well stocked in attacking midfielders, Hinshelwood is building a case for future senior consideration while helping Brighton chase European qualification.
Trippier deserves a proper send-off
Newcastle’s final home game of the season presents an opportunity for Kieran Trippier to receive a fitting send-off after he announced he will leave the club when his contract expires. Eddie Howe has praised Trippier’s contribution and commitment — notably his decision to join Newcastle in a relegation fight in January 2022 — but the right-back’s involvement has been limited lately. Howe did not start him against Nottingham Forest, instead shifting Lewis Hall to right-back, and Trippier’s last start came in a March defeat to Sunderland.
Injuries have affected squad selection, with Tino Livramento, Lewis Miley and Emil Krafth unavailable, but it’s unclear how big a role Trippier will play in the farewell fixture. After four years of service, supporters will hope he gets a moment to acknowledge his time at St. James’ Park.
Player Radar: who to watch
Mateus Fernandes (West Ham) — He missed a golden chance against Arsenal, but his overall display underlined why top clubs are tracking him. Fernandes could be crucial to West Ham’s final push to avoid relegation over the next two fixtures.
Live Radar: upcoming fixtures to note
All remaining Premier League fixtures are being shown on Sky Sports. Key matches in the penultimate round include:
– Leeds vs Brighton (Sunday) — a chance for Leeds to consolidate and for Brighton to push for Europe.
– Newcastle vs West Ham (Sunday) — Trippier’s potential farewell at St. James’ Park.
– Manchester United vs Nottingham Forest (Sunday).
– Arsenal vs Burnley (Monday Night Football) — Arsenal aim to extend their lead.
– Manchester City vs Bournemouth and Tottenham vs Chelsea (Tuesday) — important games for title and European permutations.
A final note
Last week’s column highlighted Ben White’s role in helping Bukayo Saka and predicted a strong finish — apologies to Arsenal fans after White suffered a season-ending injury against West Ham. Football can be cruel with timing, but the season still offers plenty to follow across the final fixtures.