As the last line of defense, goalkeepers are increasingly being recognized as one of the crucial components of a successful team, and with some many of the top keepers playing their trade in the Premier League, here’s a look at the top five so far this season from those who have made at least ten appearances.

5. Vito Mannone (Sunderland)

Sunderland’s fortunes have taken improved since the Italian has donned the gloves for the team- Sunderland have earned 10 points from 11 games Mannone has featured in compared to 4 from 9 he did not play in. Mannone has earned his spot on this list having made an excellent 40 saves for the 11 goals he has conceded and has managed 6 clean sheets. He also has an outstanding 98% claim success rate with 55 claims, and his distribution has been decent with 62% success rate.

4. Asmir Begovic (Stoke City)

The Bosnian has been ever so reliable for Stoke, and has continued his form from last season. He has conceded 21 goals and has managed 6 clean sheets in 17 appearances, making 40 saves in the process. Although he currently faces a spell on the sidelines with a finger injury, his claiming has been excellent at a 96% success rate with 36 claims. His distribution has been impressive with a 66% success rate, especially considering his average distribution length (48m) is much higher than others on this list.  He became only the fifth Premier League goalkeeper to score a goal with a wind-assisted effort against Southampton.

3. Simon Mignolet (Liverpool)

The Belgian has been an ever present in goal for Liverpool this season, and has made many wonderful saves, including a penalty save on his debut, to instantly win over the fans at Anfield. Despite two uncharacteristic errors at Manchester City and Chelsea, he remains an excellent shot stopper, having made 46 saves in his 20 appearances. Although he has conceded 23 goals, he has managed 6 clean sheets, 3 of which came in the first 3 games of the season. Mignolet has made 46 claims at a 94% success rate and his distribution has been good (69% success).

2. Tim Howard (Everton)

The big American has been outstanding for the Toffees this season, and has played an instrumental role in Everton’s excellent league run so far this season. Many of the 43 saves he has made have been big ones, including two penalties, and he has conceded just 17 goals in 19 appearances. He has managed 9 clean sheets and his claiming (61 claims, 94% success) as well as his distribution (68%) have been top notch. He has provided a very calming influence at the back, and his handling from corners has been among the best in the league.

1. Wojciech Szczesny (Arsenal)

The Pole’s performances will have undoubtedly pleased manager Arsene Wenger, who stuck by the youngster, even when many were calling for an experienced head between the sticks as the necessity for a sustained title challenge. Szczesny has proven doubters wrong and has been superb between the sticks. The numbers speak for themselves- just 18 goals conceded from 20 matches, 9 clean sheets, 44 saves as well as a saved penalty. He has been confident in claiming the ball and has the second most claims in the league with 64 at a 93% success rate. His distribution (69% success) too has improved over time and he has become an integral part of Arsenal’s push for the title this season.

All stats are taken from Squawka