How are we rating the EPL Keepers?
Who is the Top Keeper so far?
Ask anyone who is the top Keeper so far this season and you will get half a dozen different answers. So how do we do it?
I use the PSxG+/-. Not only does this factor in the expected goals to be conceeded it also includes a rating of the Keeper’s ability to stop the shot which is really a form indicator.
Explain more please… Okay here we go…
PSxG+/- stands for Post-Shot Expected Goals minus Goals Allowed.
A Positive numbers suggests an above average ability (or better luck) to stop shots.
A Negative number suggests a below average ability (or you are an unlucky SOB) to stop shots.
PSxG is the expected conceeded goals based on how likely the goalkeeper is to save the shot.
Each shot to be saved will have a difficulty rating depending on a number of factors, such as the angle on goal, how far out from the goal, are defenders in the way etc.
Note: PSxG± does not include own goals. xG totals include penalty kicks, but do not include penalty shootouts
Keeper’s PSxG+/- Total and Per 90 Mins
The PSxG+/- per 90 mins is the better guide because this averages form out over games played. Only Keepers who have played a minimum of 270 mins this season are included.
Hot Takes (more questions than answers really…)
Is James Trafford being held back by Donnarumma at Man City?
Should Henderson be getting a few more England starts over Pickford?
Maybe Lammens is looking like a good buy for Man Utd?
How vital is Vicario to Spurs title challenge?
How vital is Dubravka to Burnley’s fight to stay in the Premier League?
Will Liverpool be glad when Alisson is back from injury?
Final Verdict (okay, I’ve got off the fence…the answers to those questions):
Donnarumma is only 26. He is not going to retire anytime soon. Unless his form dips or he wants to move on, Trafford is going to have to ask himself should his stay at Man City be a short one?
I think Henderson deserves more England starts than he is getting. Not saying Pickford should be ousted from the England job, but Henderson should be given more games so he can get experience behind the England backline, just in case at some point England have to use him over Pickford.
Early days for Lammens, but hard to fault so far. Looking like a bargain.
Vicario is not the problem for Spurs, its the guys in front of him that are a bit suspect especially at home.
Dubravka’s form is key to Burnley staying up, absolutely no doubt.
Alisson’s form overall has not been great so far this season, but on his day he is still in the top few if not the best. I think Liverpool will be glad when he is back.
Lets see how they all pan out from here on..
All stats for this analysis are provided by FBref
FROM THE DUGOUT
"As a goalkeeper, you can't come off the bench for 10 minutes and prove your worth – it's either you're in or you're out.”
Joe Hart
The Devil is in the Detail