Advanced stats reveal which goalkeepers are outperforming expectations when it comes to saving goals versus expected goals against. We dive deep into the numbers to showcase the top performers between the sticks across the English top flight.
The Cream of the Crop
Thomas Kaminski of Luton Town leads the way at the top of the list. Despite not yet keeping a clean sheet this season, the Belgian shot-stopper has excelled himself and saved Luton multiple times already. This includes making five saves against Liverpool before finally being beaten by Luis Diaz, and somehow denying Aston Villa’s Rasmus Hojlund on multiple occasions. Kaminski’s post-shot expected goals minus goals allowed number stands at a remarkable +4.1.
Guglielmo Vicario ranks second with a +3.7 mark. The Italian keeper, who has been a phenomenal signing for Tottenham, made ludicrous saves to deny Newcastle’s Nicolas Jackson and Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling. Vicario has been a revelation for Spurs after some initial skepticism about his signing.
In third is Wolves keeper Jose Sa with +2.9. After being dropped last season, Sa seems to have rediscovered his top form, if his performances against Everton and Manchester City are any indication. This led to him signing a new contract and cementing his place as the Wolves’ number one again.
Liverpool and Manchester United’s world-class glovemen
Liverpool’s Alisson, the best goalkeeper in the Premier League last season, is still pulling off top-draw saves and ranks fourth at +2.7. The Brazilian now has the best save percentage in the league as he continues to show why he is one of the world’s best at his position.
Over at Manchester United, new signing Andre Onana places sixth with +1.8 goals prevented versus the expected number. Despite conceding three times against Manchester City, Onana emerged with credit by preventing a bigger scoreline thanks to some phenomenal stops. He has silenced early criticism by keeping clean sheets against Fulham and Luton and proving he is not the problem for United’s shaky defense.
The Rest of the Best
Bournemouth’s Neto (+1.7), West Ham’s Alphonse Areola (+1.7), Sheffield United’s Wes Foderingham (+1.3), Newcastle’s Nick Pope (+0.9), Arsenal’s David Raya (+0.8), Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez (+0.7), and Everton’s Jordan Pickford (+0.2) round out the keepers preventing more goals than expected this campaign.
Middle of the Pack
Manchester City’s Ederson (-0.5), Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez (-1.1), Brighton’s Bart Verbruggen (-1.4), Nottingham Forest’s Matt Turner (-1.6), and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale (-1.8) have been around average based on expected goals versus goals allowed. They all still have room for improvement and will look to become more consistent as the season progresses.
The Strugglers
Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone (-2.4), Brighton’s Jason Steele (-2.5), Brentford’s Mark Flekken (-3.9), and Burnley’s James Trafford (-1.9) currently have the worst numbers when it comes to letting in more goals than their post-shot xG totals. For these keepers, improved technique, positioning, and concentration will be vital to turning their fortunes around.
Based on these advanced stats from FBREF, the cream is rising to the top between the sticks in the Premier League. Standouts like Kaminski, Vicario, Alisson, and Onana are showcasing their shot-stopping skills and preventing more goals than expected so far this season. As the campaign continues, it will be fascinating to see which keepers can maintain and improve their standings on this list.
