How each Premier League goalkeeper deals with crosses and corners

AFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBurnleyChelseaCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyThe Athletic FC NewsletterPodcastsThe Athletic has analysed hundreds of clips to see which 'keepers are navigating this season's corner chaos Photos: Getty Images; Illustration: Kelsea Petersen/The Athletic; Share full articleManchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo posted an image from a corner kick after his side’s 1-0 win at Everton in February, showing the home team crowding the goalkeeper and testing Senne Lammens’ authority with every delivery. He compared it to a WWE Royal Rumble. It was not an exaggeration. Bodies were locked together, arms extended, shirts pulled — a snapshot of what defending corners in the Premier League has become. The chaos is no accident. With referees increasingly tolerant of grappling inside the six-yard box, more teams are deliberately cramming players around opposition goalkeepers, blocking their movements and attacking the space around them rather than the ball itself. The objective is clear: restrict the goalkeeper and turn the delivery into a fight for the second ball. It felt like the right time to examine how Premier League goalkeepers are coping. How do they defend corners? Which ones leave their lines and impose themselves? Who prefers to hold their position? Which teams protect their goalkeeper effectively — and which leave them exposed? To answer those questions, The Athletic went through several hundred clips, focusing on the goalkeeper who has played the majority of league minutes at each club this season. While about 30 goalkeepers have featured in the Premier League, this analysis centres on 20 — in effect, each team’s No 1. Broadly, their approaches fall into three categories: the goalkeepers who leave their line and prefer to catch versus punch (the high-ball claimers), the goalkeepers who leave their line and prefer to punch versus catch (the punchers), and those who prefer to hold their line and manage space rather than attack it (the goal-line protectors). Here’s how they all stack up. Goalkeepers who leave their line regularly will make more visible mistakes than those who stay rooted to it. The more you enter traffic, the greater your risk of getting the timing wrong. However, the upside can be significant, and for Sunderland, Robin Roefs provides exactly that. Roefs has been one of the most assertive goalkeepers in the league on corners, recording the highest combined total of claims and punches in the Premier League this season (63). Only Emiliano Martinez averages more successful claims per match (1.51 to 1.50), though Roefs shows a more even balance between catching (42) and punching (21). His willingness to leave his line shapes Sunderland’s defensive approach. Deliveries into the six-yard box are treated as his responsibility, allowing the defenders to hold a higher starting position knowing their goalkeeper will attack deliveries inside his zone. Technically, he generates excellent elevation and can rise above heavy traffic. He varies his take-off well — two feet when set under the ball, one foot when driving into space — and typically keeps an open body shape to scan runners before committing. Importantly, he is comfortable punching the ball away with either hand. Admittedly, his aggression can work against him. His punches are not always cleanly directed and, on occasion, he can get caught underneath a crowded delivery — as below against Liverpool. Overall, Roefs’ presence is imposing. He accepts the risk that comes with involvement — and more often than not controls the chaos rather than being controlled by it. That authority has been central to Sunderland’s successful season after their return to the Premier League. One of the Premier League’s strongest goalkeepers in aerial situations, largely because of his excellent hands, Martinez has the second-highest number of aerial claims (40) and the highest number of aerial claims per 90 minutes (1.51) in the Premier League. He overwhelmingly prefers to catch rather than punch and consistently holds balls that many others would punch. That ability to secure possession under pressure is his greatest strength and, at times, a calculated risk. There are moments when a punch would be the safer option — particularly when he is heavily screened or when contact is made mid-air — but his confidence in his handling is such that it is difficult to argue with the overall return. As a coach, the objective would not be to take that instinct away, but to refine his decision-making in the tightest scenarios. Where he can run into trouble is with timing. Martinez often jumps off two feet when attacking balls in front of him. While that can maximise vertical lift, it limits his ability to generate forward momentum. On flatter, driven deliveries, that slight lack of horizontal power can allow attackers to get across him or make enough contact to disrupt his balance, occasionally forcing him backwards on landing and making it harder to secure the ball — like here against Arsenal. It does not always get punished, but a more consistent one-footed take-off in certain situations would allow him to attack the ball earlier and at its highest point. All that being said, few goalkeepers in the league control high balls with as much authority. Another goalkeeper, like Martinez, who backs his handling. Robert Sanchez records significantly more catches (34) than punches (six) and, when he has a clear path to the ball, he is quick and decisive off his line. His first thought after securing possession is often to initiate transition, frequently moving to the top of his box to release early and start counter-attacks. Technically, he is commonly a one-footed jumper, which suits an aggressive, forward-attacking style. Driving off one leg allows him to generate horizontal momentum and attack deliveries in front of attackers — often even above them. The raised knee also acts as natural protection, helping create space in traffic. When Chelsea create separation and open Sanchez’s route to the ball, he is difficult to beat. His starting position is high and assertive, body closed and square to the delivery, enabling sharp movements forward or to his side. The vulnerability comes when that pathway is blocked — like against Arsenal — or when deliveries are whipped with pace into the first, middle or back zones. Although a number of the goals Chelsea concede from corners are simply balls he cannot reach, he is not the most physically imposing presence in crowded situations, which has at times limited his access to the ball — one of several contributing factors in Chelsea conceding nine goals from corners this season, the second most in the league. Simply put, he is proactive but reliant on the structure around him. If the space is there, he will attack it. If it is not, he can be exposed. Although undersized by Premier League standards at 6ft (183cm), but David Raya is highly effective in the air thanks to his positioning, timing and handling. Like Martinez, he is primarily a two-footed jumper, relying on precise movement and clean elevation rather than sheer size to meet the ball at its highest point. He consistently rises above bigger attackers because his starting position and reading of flight are so sharp. Raya strongly favours catching (29) over punching (8), including on corners, where Arsenal’s structure is partly designed to protect him. With defenders Gabriel and William Saliba — both over 6ft 2in — controlling central zones, Raya can prioritise shot prevention while remaining ready to attack when space opens. He usually starts aggressively off his line in a half-open stance, angled toward the ball, which allows him to see the delivery and the movement in front of him. Due to his size, opponents often attempt to crowd and screen him, initiating contact before the ball is struck. In those moments, Raya stays active on his feet, constantly adjusting his position along the line to avoid being pinned. At times, he is successfully blocked, but he does not retreat from confrontation. For several seasons, Pope has been one of the Premier League’s most imposing goalkeepers when it comes to defending corners. His height, reach and ability to generate power off two feet make him extremely difficult to challenge in the six-yard box, allowing him to attack deliveries with authority when the ball is played into areas he feels he can reach. He has a clear preference for catching rather than punching this season, recording 23 high claims compared with 10 punches. When the delivery is within his reach and the traffic allows it, he is comfortable trusting his hands to secure the ball cleanly and relieve pressure. That willingness to catch helps slow the game down and prevents dangerous second phases from developing in the penalty area. However, that approach has also carried some risk this season. Pope has recorded six drops — joint highest in the league — and is level with Martinez and Jordan Pickford with three errors leading to goals. Those moments have contributed to a campaign that has felt less consistent than the high standards he established in previous years. As a result, his form has wavered at times, opening the door for Aaron Ramsdale to push for a starting berth and creating a level of competition that had not really existed. Even so, Pope still possesses the physical tools that make him such an effective presence on set pieces. When deliveries arrive in areas he can confidently attack, his size, reach and willingness to come through bodies still allow him to control his six-yard box and relieve pressure for his defence. Aggressive, brave and consistent in his approach, Lammens’ mentality rarely shifts. Whether he is under pressure in open play or defending a corner, he remains proactive and decisive, even when his six-yard box is congested. Overall, he is relatively balanced between catching (24) and punching (13), and he has become particularly effective at claiming high balls on corners when he has a clear path to the ball or with his fists when in traffic — as we saw recently against Arsenal and Everton. Similar to Jose Sa at Wolverhampton Wanderers, his clearances do not always travel long distances, but he reliably attacks the initial duel and removes immediate danger. At 6ft 4in, he has the physical tools for aerial dominance — wingspan, elevation and explosive power — but what stands out is his starting position. He operates on the front foot, not retreating towards his line, constantly adjusting to find the space between defenders and attackers to launch his movement. That positioning extends his range and allows him to anticipate deliveries early. Importantly, his stance sets the tone in the box — defenders understand that balls into the six-yard area belong to their goalkeeper. That clarity builds trust. When a back line trusts its goalkeeper in the air, it defends assertively rather than reactively. What has been crucial this season is that he does not allow a previous moment to influence the next one. We saw that weeks ago at Arsenal when, after being screened on the equalising 2-2 goal, he left his line again minutes later in stoppage time to punch clear under immense pressure and secure what would go on to be a noteworthy 3-2 win. Though he hasn’t been perfect, the psychological advantage and boost he has given his team is immense, and it should hardly be surprising that United’s form has improved since the Belgian has established himself in the starting XI. Among the Premier League’s more aggressive goalkeepers when it comes to dealing with corners, Vicario regularly shows the willingness to leave his line and challenge for balls delivered into his six-yard box. He has a clear desire to control the space in front of him and often looks to attack deliveries rather than remain rooted to his line. That proactive mindset is reflected in the numbers. Vicario has recorded 21 high claims and 18 punches this season, placing him inside the top 10 in the league in both categories, as well as for total claims and punches combined. It underlines his intent and how he takes responsibility at aerial deliveries. Where challenges arise is in crowded penalty-area situations. Vicario has a relatively slender frame and can occasionally be overpowered when opposition attackers pack the six-yard box, attempting to screen him or disrupt his path to the ball. The physical nature of the Premier League — combined with a refereeing approach that has allowed more contact around goalkeepers — has made those moments particularly demanding. Despite that, his willingness to engage and impose himself is admirable. Vicario consistently looks to take responsibility for the space in front of him, even if that aggression can sometimes expose him to physical battles. Interestingly, while Spurs have endured a very difficult season overall, they have been very effective at defending corners, conceding just four goals, the joint-second-best in the league — a reflection of the collective work between the zonal defenders, man-markers and Vicario himself. Few goalkeepers have been more active at corners. Sa averages 2.58 combined claims and punches per 90 — one of only two goalkeepers above two per game, alongside Roefs — and is almost perfectly balanced between catching (23) and punching (26). Sa rarely forces catches in heavy traffic and he is comfortable punching early and prioritising first contact. His clearances do not always travel maximum distance, but they are decisive enough to allow defenders to attack second balls. Few are as efficient as the Wolves No 1 at judging when to catch and when to punch. H is physically tough and stable through contact, even though he is not the tallest at 6ft 2in. He moves well in both directions — driving forward to attack deliveries toward the first post and using effective crossover and shuffle steps to get himself into position and cover his back post. He jumps off two feet when advancing and more commonly off one when retreating, adapting to the ball’s trajectory. Wolves protect him effectively, often placing two defenders in front to prevent screening and clear his path. That collective approach, combined with Sa’s authority in the box, helps explain why Wolves, despite being bottom of the league, have conceded the joint second-fewest goals from corners (four) in the league this season. Dubravka has fully embraced a risk-minimising approach when defending corners this season. With 40 punches — the most in the league by a considerable margin — his priority is clear: win the ball and clear the danger rather than attempt to secure the ball. He tends to take a more closed-body position, keeping most of his focus on the delivery, rather than the pressure and movement around him, which become secondary. His main objective is to find the ball and get it away from the goal by any means necessary. One of his strengths is his willingness to fight through traffic. Even when the space in front of him is extremely limited, he will push through bodies and extend a fist to make contact. At times, this means he doesn’t even need to jump — instead, he simply stretches through the crowd to punch the ball away. While he has made only 21 high claims this season, Dubravka’s heavy reliance on punching explains why he has yet to record a drop. It is a clear reflection of his approach — removing risk by avoiding situations where he must secure the ball under pressure. Burnley have conceded nine goals from corners this season, joint second most in the league. Many of those have come from deliveries into areas where their goalkeeper cannot commit — the exception being the goal conceded against Newcastle, when Bruno Guimaraes whipped the ball over Dubravka and into the far post directly from the corner — highlighting how dependent this approach can be on the defenders around Dubravka winning their duels. Always looking to be active when the ball is in the air, Petrovic has the second-highest combined total of claims and punches this season, behind only Roefs, and his overall distribution between catches (25) and punches (30) reflects a goalkeeper comfortable using both tools well. On corners, though, there is a noticeable lean toward punching — particularly when Bournemouth are heavily screened, which is often the opposition’s chosen strategy. Under pressure, he prioritises clearing the ball away from danger rather than risk securing it in traffic. Physically, Petrovic uses his size extremely well. Tall and long-limbed, he is more aggressive and assertive in the air than some goalkeepers of similar stature — in that sense, he contrasts with Leeds United’s Lucas Perri. Petrovic’s size, starting position and timing are typically aligned, allowing him to attack the ball at its highest point. He is predominantly a two-footed jumper and generates strong vertical lift, often clearing danger before attackers can establish position. Petrovic’s profile reinforces a theme running through this analysis: winning the first duel is vital, but controlling the chaos that follows is just as important. Alisson has typically sat around the middle of the pack in the Premier League when it comes to high claims and punches, and this season has been no different. Despite possessing excellent hands and grip, he has leaned more toward punching (21) than catching (16) when defending corners, opting for the safer clearance rather than attempting to hold the ball in traffic. It is a pragmatic approach — prioritising safety and distance while trusting Liverpool’s defenders to deal with the second phase if the ball drops into dangerous areas. Liverpool’s overall form has dipped compared with the standards they set when winning the league last season, and Alisson’s performances have mirrored that at times. A spell on the sidelines through injury earlier this season, which kept him out of action for more than a month, has also likely contributed to a degree of inconsistency and a slightly lower level than supporters have grown accustomed to. Physically, however, he still possesses many of the traits that make him effective in crowded penalty-area situations. His height (6ft 3in), strength and compact centre of gravity allow him to hold his ground when surrounded by attackers, while his timing and explosive spring help him meet the ball at its highest point when he does decide to leave his line. In those moments, he is capable of either claiming the cross cleanly or punching decisively to relieve pressure. Most of the goals conceded from corners have come from deliveries played into areas where Alisson simply cannot commit, or during the second phase when the ball is recycled and driven back across goal — as was the case recently against Crystal Palace. He has recorded three drops this season, which sits in the middle of the league, but crucially, none have resulted in errors leading directly to goals — a reminder that even during a slightly uneven campaign, his reliability in key moments has largely remained intact. Using a slightly different technical approach, Kelleher’s stance is often more closed, facing the ball directly as the delivery comes in. This keeps his attention almost entirely on the flight of the ball rather than the crowded box in front of him. Despite having very reliable hands, there is still a noticeable tendency for him to favour punching over catching in corner situations. This season, he has recorded 17 high claims and 24 punches, underlining a generally cautious approach when operating in heavy traffic. He is comfortable using either fist when clearing the ball and typically selects whichever hand gives him the best angle to push the ball away from danger. Even when the space in front of him opens and he could realistically claim the delivery, he often still opts to punch — another sign of a risk-minimising mentality when defending set pieces. Brentford have been the most effective team in the league at defending corners, conceding just two goals all season. That success reflects not only Kelleher’s ability to leave his line and win the ball, but also the collective organisation of the team around him. The corner two goals conceded — against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest — both came from situations where Brentford failed to win the initial aerial duel, either through the opposition screening Kelleher or deliveries played into areas where he simply could not commit. Outside of those moments, his decision-making and willingness to attack corners have played a key role in Brentford maintaining control of their six-yard box this season. Henderson has been relatively balanced this season between catching (19) and punching (24), although in crowded corner situations, there is a noticeable preference to punch first. He is comfortable using either fist to clear and has done a solid job fighting through traffic to leave his line and win his aerial duels. He often adopts an open stance, allowing him to keep the ball and the players around him in view. This body orientation helps him judge the correct moments to leave his line and identify the clearest route toward the delivery. Once he commits, his footwork plays a key role — relying on quick, compact adjustment steps that place him in an optimal position to jump without exaggerated movements. Henderson generally prefers jumping from two feet, which allows him to generate strong vertical lift and maintain balance through contact. His wide and compact frame also helps him remain stable when competing with attackers and gives him the ability to rise through pressure in crowded areas. Crystal Palace have been relatively solid defending corners, conceding seven goals this season. Many of those have come from deliveries into areas where Henderson cannot realistically commit, though there have been isolated moments against Newcastle and Spurs where balls delivered directly on top of him have limited his ability to assert himself. Sitting somewhere in the middle of the Premier League spectrum when it comes to defending corners, Leno is neither overly aggressive nor overly passive. Instead, he relies on solid timing and decision-making to manage deliveries into his box. When he does leave his line, his timing is generally very good, allowing him to attack the ball at its highest point and either claim it cleanly or clear the danger with a punch when space opens in front of him. Where he has encountered the most difficulty is when opponents crowd the six-yard box and focus on screening him. Leno is not the most physically imposing goalkeeper in the league, and when multiple attackers occupy his space, it can restrict his ability to attack the delivery. In those situations, he becomes pragmatic, punching balls delivered directly on top of him rather than attempting to hold them. Similar to Vicario, Leno compensates with bravery and competitiveness. He is willing to fight through traffic and rarely shies away from contact when the ball drops into his area. Overall, he is not the most dominant presence, but far from the weakest either. Since arriving in England, Donnarumma has made clear strides in his command of the six-yard box. His aerial command was questioned but he has become far more willing to attack the ball. Statistically, he ranks among the lowest claim totals in the league (10), but is near the top for punches (24), reflecting a clear development in his game. At 6ft 6in with long reach, the Italian has obvious physical advantages. He adopts an open starting stance, similar to Roefs, allowing him to scan the full picture before deciding whether to come or hold. He often reads the flight of the ball well and prefers jumping off one foot, which helps him generate lift and forward drive — as seen recently against Liverpool, when rising above traffic to punch clear in a crowded box. However, he can still be concerningly passive. On certain deliveries, particularly when bodies crowd his line, he remains rooted when his size and stature suggest he should dominate. The progress is evident, but complete authority has not yet become automatic. West Ham have struggled more than any other side in the league when defending corners this season, conceding 15 goals — five more than any other team. Areola himself has been fairly balanced in his approach, recording 15 catches and 21 punches, though in crowded corner situations, he appears more comfortable attacking the ball with his fists. He is primarily a two-footed jumper and often looks to attack deliveries with forward momentum to clear the ball decisively. However, that aggressive approach has occasionally led him into trouble. At times, he commits too early toward his near post or mistimes his jump, which has resulted in sub-optimal punches or the ball sailing beyond him into dangerous areas. One such example came against Brighton when an attack forced him into an awkward attempt to swat the ball away. The problems on corners for West Ham cannot be placed solely on Areola. Many of the goals conceded have come from deliveries played into areas that are extremely difficult for any goalkeeper to reach. Still, there have also been moments where balls have been delivered directly on top of him and he has failed to assert himself, so it is unsurprising that Areola has lost his place to Mads Hermansen and hasn’t featured in the Premier League since January. Verbruggen operates within a clear tactical framework. The majority of his departures from goal come on corners, where there is an evident directive to attack deliveries and clear his six-yard box. He is comfortable punching with either hand and, technically, prefers to catch when conditions allow. However, he records one of the lowest combined totals of claims and punches per 90 in the league (0.91) — only Jordan Pickford is less active leaving his line. When Verbruggen commits, it is usually with conviction. He generates good elevation and is prepared to attack through traffic. Yet, there are moments when his timing is slightly off, leading to mistimed punches or situations where he launches without fully controlling the flight of the ball. Despite his relative passiveness, Brighton’s collective structure is strong. They have conceded only five goals from corners, the joint third fewest in the league. It underlines an important point: while a dominant, proactive goalkeeper can shape a set-piece defence, it is not the only path to effectiveness. Organisation and clarity of roles can be just as influential. Although Jordan Pickford has historically sat around the middle of the Premier League pack in high claims and punches and has often been willing to leave his line to challenge for crosses, this season he has been among the most passive goalkeepers in the league in those situations. In 29 matches, he has recorded just 10 high claims and 14 punches, a combined 0.77 claims and punches per 90, the lowest rate among regular Premier League goalkeepers. Part of this appears tactical. Everton have often prioritised protecting their goalkeeper on corners, relying on their zonal defenders to attack the ball while allowing Pickford to hold his position and focus on the potential second phase or shot on target. At 6ft 1in, Pickford has never been the tallest or most physically imposing goalkeeper in crowded penalty-area situations, but he has typically compensated for that with bravery and aggression off his line. This season, though, his role has been more restrained within the structure implemented by manager David Moyes. Despite Pickford’s relative hesitancy to engage aerially, Everton have been one of the most effective teams in the league at defending corners, conceding just five goals, the joint third fewest in the Premier League. Everton’s collective focus, organisation and willingness to attack the ball in their zones have reduced the need for Pickford to dominate his six-yard box, showing that a team does not necessarily require an aggressive, cross-claiming goalkeeper to be effective at defending corners. Sels is not tiny by goalkeeping standards at 6ft 2in, but he has been far from convincing when defending corners. He has recorded just 12 high claims and 11 punches, placing him among the least proactive goalkeepers in the league when it comes to leaving his line. One of the main issues has been his difficulty creating space to attack the ball. Without that space, he struggles to jump vertically and meet deliveries at their highest point, limiting his ability to either claim crosses or punch them clear. This is not entirely down to the goalkeeper. Forest have done a far poorer job protecting him compared with last season, when he was far more effective at punching the ball in crowded situations. The lack of protection and organisation around him has made it harder for him to assert himself. When Sels does leave his line, there is a clear tendency to punch rather than attempt to catch the ball, although he more often elects to remain on his line and rely on his defenders to deal with the initial delivery while he prepares to react to a shot or redirection. Forest have conceded eight goals from corners this season — joint third most in the league. The goals have arrived in a variety of ways, but many have followed moments where either the zonal defenders fail to win the first ball or Sels is unable to impose himself in situations where a goalkeeper would normally be expected to. Despite standing at 6ft 6in, Lucas Perri is one of the most passive goalkeepers in the league when defending corners. Rather than dominating his six-yard box, his approach is built around protecting the goal and relying heavily on defenders to deal with the initial aerial challenge. Perri has shared minutes this season with Karl Darlow, but he has featured more often for Leeds and therefore provides the clearest representation of the team’s approach — Darlow himself isn’t the most intimidating on corners, having made only 10 high claims and 8 punches in 15 games this season. On corners and wide deliveries, Perri rarely commits early. Instead, he tends to remain on his line, positioning himself to react to the final touch rather than attacking the initial cross. Statistically, that reluctance is clear. Perri has the fewest high claims (nine) and punches (six) of any Premier League goalkeeper to appear 10+ times this season, and his combined claims and punches per 90 figure (0.94) ranks among the lowest in the league — only Pickford and Verbruggen leave their line less frequently. That does not necessarily mean Leeds’ approach is ineffective. Their defensive structure asks centre-backs to take responsibility for the initial duel, allowing Perri to focus on protecting the goal and react to shots through traffic. The trade-off is that deliveries into the six-yard area are rarely his responsibility. Even with that passive approach, Leeds have conceded a moderate seven goals from corners this season, the joint tenth fewest in the league — suggesting the system around him has been reasonably effective, even if the goalkeeper himself is not the dominant aerial presence his size might suggest. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Matt Pyzdrowski is a coach and former goalkeeper who played in the United States and Sweden. He serves as a goalkeeping analyst for The Athletic. Follow Matt on Twitter @mattpyzdrowski