The Surprising Arsenal Legend
If we tell you that an Arsenal goalkeeper ranks top of the all-time rankings for penalties saved in the Premier League era, who would you say? Jens Lehmann? David Seaman? Petr Cech? Wrong, wrong, wrong. The answer might shock you: it’s Manuel Almunia! Despite a sometimes contentious tenure with Arsenal that ended in 2014, Almunia’s penalty-saving prowess stands out as a remarkable achievement. He managed to save a staggering 42.9% of penalties faced, a statistic that places him at the top of the leaderboard among those who have faced at least 10 spot-kicks. Fellow veterans Pavel Srnicek and Bryan Gunn closely follow with a 40% save rate each, showcasing the excellence of older keepers in this specific aspect of the game.
Elite Penalty-Takers of the Premier League
Penalties have always been a high-stakes affair, and the modern era has seen a surge in the science behind these crucial moments. Detailed data, visualization techniques, and stutter run-ups have all become part of the strategy for both takers and savers. But who are the best penalty-takers in Premier League history? According to Opta, Cole Palmer, Yaya Toure, and Raul Jimenez share the top spot with a perfect 100% success rate, each converting all 10 penalties they’ve taken. Matt Le Tissier and Danny Murphy are close behind with 96.2% and 94.7% success rates, respectively. The list also includes notable names like Callum Wilson, James Beattie, Julian Dicks, Thierry Henry, Bukayo Saka, and Ivan Toney, all of whom have demonstrated exceptional composure and accuracy when stepping up to the spot. Cole Palmer’s recent spot-kick for Chelsea, described as "so cool and chilled under pressure," exemplifies the mental fortitude required to excel in these situations.
Manuel Almunia: The Unsung Hero
Manuel Almunia’s penalty-saving record is a testament to his skill and determination, even if he was often criticized during his time at Arsenal. Standing tall between the posts, Almunia thwarted 42.9% of the penalties he faced, making him the best in Premier League history for keepers with at least 10 attempts saved. His remarkable performance under pressure may have been overshadowed by other aspects of his career, but this statistic is a clear indicator of his ability to handle high-stakes situations. Other notable keepers on the list include Pavel Srnicek and Bryan Gunn, both with a 40% save rate, and the current English goalkeeping contingent, with Dean Henderson leading the pack with a 36.4% save rate. Henderson’s performance is especially commendable, given the competitive nature of modern football and the detailed analysis that takers undergo.
Current Goalkeeping Stars
Looking at the more recent statistics, since the start of the 2022/23 season, Nick Pope stands out as the current penalty-saving king. The Bournemouth goalkeeper has saved 40% of the penalties he’s faced, ahead of Dean Henderson’s 37.5% save rate. Emi Martinez, Alphonse Areola, and Robert Sánchez follow closely, each with their own notable saves. Jordan Pickford, the England international, has been particularly impressive this season, saving all two penalties he’s faced, including a high-profile one from Erling Haaland. These keepers are proving that the art of saving penalties is still alive and well, and their skills will be crucial in the upcoming World Cup 2026.
The Art of Winning Penalties
Beyond just taking and saving penalties, there is the often underappreciated skill of winning them. Since the start of the 2022/23 season, Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United leads the pack with seven penalties won. His agile and smart play in the box has earned him this distinction. Bournemouth’s Evanilson is also worth mentioning, as he has won five penalties in this season alone, a significant contribution to his team’s success. The ability to draw penalties is a valuable asset, as it can change the course of a game. Justin Kluivert, Evanilson’s teammate, has capitalized on these opportunities, converting all six penalties he’s taken this season, a perfect record that places him alongside Mohamed Salah.
Streaming the Action
For fans of the Premier League and other top-tier football, platforms like TNT Sports and discovery+ offer a way to stay connected to the action. From high-stakes penalties to thrilling matches, these services provide live streaming and on-demand content, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the beautiful game. Whether you’re cheering for the perfect penalty taker or the formidable goalkeeper, these platforms are your go-to sources for all the drama and excitement that the Premier League and UEFA Champions League have to offer.
