Heaton keeping opponents at arm's length

Adrian Clarke looks at players who have emerged as mainstays in recent weeks for their clubs.

Tom Heaton (BUR)

With three England internationals on the books, there is fierce competition among Burnley’s goalkeepers.

But Heaton has emerged from the shadows to reclaim the No 1 spot in the early weeks of 2019.

• Appearances
  116
• Clean sheets
  28
• Saves
  408
• Goals Conceded
  167

22

Tom

Heaton

22

Goalkeeper

England England

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The 32-year-old was recalled at Joe Hart’s expense on 30 December and has since played his part in an impressive seven-match unbeaten streak.

Producing a series of virtually flawless performances, Heaton’s return has vindicated Sean Dyche’s decision to make the change.

What’s the difference?

Heaton’s previous experience of playing behind the same defenders has helped.

Regarded as an outstanding communicator, he can be seen instructing Burnley’s rearguard to squeeze up more often, instead of sitting deep.

That has affected the quality of chances that opposition sides have been able to create.

Making room

Clearing space in the box gives Heaton extra room to come out and claim crosses, while also minimising the target area for those who are swinging in the deliveries.

By getting tighter to rival forwards, Burnley’s defenders are also making it more difficult for them to shoot, especially from distance.

Dyche’s men are generally playing better and working harder than earlier in the campaign.

But Heaton’s determination to push his defenders away from goal has helped to stem the tide of shots.

Hart v Heaton 

It should not be forgotten that Hart delivered some wonderful performances.

As the busiest goalkeeper in the division, he repelled an extraordinary number of shots.

Fewer errors

But Heaton has been producing match-changing stops of his own and has the edge because he makes fewer mistakes.

Heaton’s save ratio of 81.8 per cent is better than Hart's 65.3 per cent and so are his figures for preventing goals.

Expected goals on target (xGoT) measures the quality of the shot a goalkeeper faces, based on distance, angle and whether it is headed. It judges how likely such shots are converted into goals. 

In terms of xGoT, Hart was in negative figures. He should have conceded just over 36 goals when measured as xG, but in fact he let in 40. 

In contrast, in his seven appearances, Heaton has let in six goals, when xGoT estimates he should have been beaten more than seven times. 

Hart v Heaton for xGoT

*excluding own goals

Heaton’s more dominant style of goalkeeping seems to suit Burnley.

Instructed to push up and clear the penalty box when possible, the Clarets have got back into the habit of pressing and squeezing space for opponents inside their own half.

That approach worked well for them last term.

And if Heaton maintains his fitness and form, he will be a difficult man to dislodge from the first team.

Also in this series

Part 2: Dendoncker adding security in Wolves' new system
Part 3: Redmond revived under Hasenhuttl