Premier League Goalkeepers Ranked by Saves Per Goal: 2020-21 Analysis
The Premier League never lacks for debate, especially when it comes to refereeing decisions and the performance of goalkeepers. This season, attention has focused on the likes of Jordan Pickford, David De Gea, and Alisson, with fans and pundits analyzing their form week after week. In this article, we dive into the performance of goalkeepers using the saves per goal conceded metric – revealing the top performers as well as those struggling between the posts.
Understanding the Saves Per Goal Metric
Saves per goal conceded is a straightforward statistic: divide the total saves a goalkeeper has made by the number of goals they have let in. This calculation offers a direct look at a keeper’s efficiency, less affected by a team’s defensive setup than raw save counts or clean sheets. While more advanced statistics like expected goals (xG) conceded can give deeper tactical context, saves per goal remains a useful comparative measure, especially over the span of a season. Nonetheless, it’s important to note the limitations, as differences in defensive strength can shape the kinds of shots a goalkeeper faces.
Methodology: Goalkeepers Included in the Analysis
This assessment covers twenty-one Premier League goalkeepers who have played in at least twelve matches at this stage of the season. For broader reference, keepers with more than three appearances, such as Robin Olsen, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Dean Henderson, are also listed in the comprehensive table, though not ranked in the main results due to limited playing time.
Goalkeepers with the Lowest Saves Per Goal Ratio
A look at the bottom five reveals a mix of struggling defenses and individual form drops. Here are the keepers with the lowest saves per goal conceded ratios so far this season:
- Vincente Guaita (Crystal Palace) – 1.79
After a promising start, Guaita has found himself conceding frequently as Palace’s defense faltered. His 75 saves against 42 goals conceded show he’s had plenty to do, but his ratio leaves him trailing behind other keepers with heavier workloads. - Rui Patricio (Wolves) – 1.59
Wolves’ loss of defensive identity, especially following Raul Jimenez’s injury and frequent tactical shifts, has left Patricio exposed. The Portuguese shot-stopper has 51 saves but 32 goals conceded, reflecting a difficult season for both club and keeper. - Alex McCarthy (Southampton) – 1.59
McCarthy started strong before Southampton’s infamous 9-0 defeat and key injuries saw him under siege. With 62 saves and 39 goals against, he has struggled to regain his early season form, his England prospects now in doubt. - David De Gea (Manchester United) – 1.54
Under increasing criticism, De Gea’s numbers paint a clear picture: 43 saves against 28 goals allowed. United’s defensive structure has not been terrible; rather, it is De Gea’s individual errors that have cost the side vital points. Reserve Dean Henderson, with a superior saves per goal ratio in limited appearances, adds further pressure. - Mat Ryan (Brighton/Arsenal) – 1.15
Ryan endured a disastrous start with Brighton, conceding more than he saved, before losing his starting spot. A January move to Arsenal and an improved showing has lifted his stats slightly, but his early season performance leaves him at the bottom of the list.
Goalkeepers with the Highest Saves Per Goal Ratio
The top of the table offers several surprises and highlights goalkeepers whose performances have been crucial for their teams’ ambitions:
- Hugo Lloris (Tottenham Hotspur) – 2.84
While Tottenham’s form has fluctuated, Lloris remains one of the league’s most effective shot-stoppers, making 71 saves and conceding only 25 goals. Despite some inconsistent displays, his overall record is strong. - Ederson Moraes (Manchester City) – 2.85
Ederson’s workload is lighter thanks to City’s dominant possession style, but whenever called upon, he delivers. With 37 saves and only 13 goals conceded, he has played a pivotal role in City’s title challenge. - Robert Sanchez (Brighton) – 3.18
Taking over for Mat Ryan, Sanchez has been a revelation. In only thirteen matches, he has 35 saves to just 11 goals conceded, helping Brighton climb up the defensive rankings. - Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) – 3.50
Arguably Aston Villa’s key signing, Martinez has turned the team’s fortunes around with 84 saves and 24 conceded. His consistency and agility have been central to Villa’s strong league position. - Nick Pope (Burnley) – 3.67
A rock for Burnley, Pope tops the list with 88 saves and only 24 goals against. His reliability ensures Burnley remain tough to break down and puts him in firm contention for England’s number one spot heading into the summer.
Comprehensive Saves Per Goalkeeper Table
The following table includes all goalkeepers with at least three Premier League appearances, listing saves per goal alongside their total saves and goals conceded. This snapshot offers context for both frequent starters and those seeing limited action.
| Rank | Goalkeeper | Saves per Goal | Saves | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nick Pope | 3.67 | 88 | 24 |
| Dean Henderson | 3.67 | 11 | 3 | |
| 2 | Emiliano Martinez | 3.50 | 84 | 24 |
| 3 | Robert Sanchez | 3.18 | 35 | 11 |
| 4 | Ederson Moraes | 2.85 | 37 | 13 |
| 5 | Hugo Lloris | 2.84 | 71 | 25 |
| 6 | Alphonse Areola | 2.82 | 79 | 28 |
| 7 | Kasper Schmeichel | 2.50 | 65 | 26 |
| 8 | Bernd Leno | 2.38 | 57 | 24 |
| 9 | Lukasz Fabianski | 2.32 | 65 | 28 |
| 10 | Edouard Mendy | 2.27 | 34 | 15 |
| 11 | Jordan Pickford | 2.14 | 47 | 22 |
| 12 | Karl Darlow | 2.10 | 84 | 40 |
| 13 | Illan Meslier | 2.09 | 86 | 41 |
| 14 | Aaron Ramsdale | 2.05 | 80 | 39 |
| Kepa Arrizabalaga | 2.00 | 12 | 6 | |
| 15 | Alisson Becker | 1.87 | 41 | 22 |
| 16 | Sam Johnstone | 1.84 | 98 | 53 |
| 17 | Vincente Guaita | 1.79 | 75 | 42 |
| Robin Olsen | 1.62 | 13 | 8 | |
| 18 | Rui Patricio | 1.59 | 51 | 32 |
| 19 | Alex McCarthy | 1.59 | 62 | 39 |
| 20 | David De Gea | 1.54 | 43 | 28 |
| 21 | Mat Ryan | 1.15 | 23 | 20 |
Conclusion: What the Stats Reveal—and What They Miss
The saves per goal conceded metric shines a spotlight on the Premier League’s top-performing and most challenged goalkeepers, isolating individual contributions amid team performances. While it does not capture every nuance—such as the relative difficulty of each save—it remains a valuable indicator for comparing shot-stopping ability over the campaign. As the season progresses, form and fortunes may shift, but these numbers paint a revealing picture of the men in goal during a dramatic and unpredictable campaign.
For further tactical analysis of clubs and players, browse our other in-depth articles to deepen your understanding of the game.
