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The team's defensive unit claims a clean sheet only if they have provided to keep out the opposite team from netting a score. Goalkeepers and defenders are most commonly in charge, earning credit for one as it's their main responsibility.
The goalkeeper with the most clean sheets in a single season is awarded the Golden Glove for his achievements. However, since the inception of the Premier League in 1992, only a handful of goalkeepers have consistently performed well over the course of multiple seasons racking up clean sheets.
Here, we take a look at five goalkeepers with the most in PL history.
#5 Nigel Martyn: 138 clean sheets
Retired England international and Premier League goalkeeper, Nigel Martyn began his career in 1987 at Bristol Rovers. In 1989, Crystal Palace offered Bristol Rovers £1m for the Englishman's services - he then became the first million pound goalkeeper signing.
Developing his career and ability at Palace, Martyn made his mark for the south London club and earned an opportunity to represent his country. After spending seven years at Palace, including plenty of great memories as well as his impressive clean sheet tally, Leeds chairman Howard Wilkinson completed a record £2.5m deal for him.
Seamlessly transitioning into his new surroundings in 1996, Leeds proved to be the perfect fit for him. With solid goalkeeping displays, he continued to rack up clean sheets before eventually leaving to join Everton in 2003 with the possibility of more playing opportunities on Merseyside.
This was where he remained before announcing his retirement after three seasons at Goodison Park, having made a total 372 Premier League appearances across three clubs in England's top tier.
#4 David Seaman: 142 clean sheets
Former England and Arsenal shot-stopper, David Seaman made his professional debut in the Football League in 1982 for Peterborough United, before moving to Birmingham City in 1984. After two seasons with the Blues in 1986, he completed a deal to sign for London side Queen's Park Rangers, where he played for another four seasons.
Remaining in London, he opted for a move to the bigger boys when Arsenal came calling. His consistent displays when called upon ensured he remained at the top of his game.
He played for the Gunners during the next 13 years, by which time, he had already made 75 England appearances as part of his lengthy career.
Tall, calm and calculated, he had plenty of attributes which made him stand out from his counterparts in the division. The fact he was a monstrous figure in-between the posts for Arsenal ensured he established himself as one of the greats during the PL era, enjoying his best moments at a memorable time for the club itself.
He retired in Manchester with City his final team before retirement, making 19 further league appearances during his one campaign under Kevin Keegan.
#3 Mark Schwarzer: 152 clean-sheets
Veteran Australian shot-stopper and another legendary goalkeeper, Mark Schwarzer began his career at National Soccer League club Marconi Stallion in 1990. The Aussie 'keeper spent four seasons at the club before moving to Germany for the next two years with Dynamo Dresden and FC Kaiserslautern.
In 1996, he left Germany to join English club Bradford City and is the most capped player for his country with 109 total appearances. After a brief stint with Bradford, Middlesbrough came calling as Schwarzer was given a golden opportunity to assert his first-team credentials in England's top division.
He did not disappoint, spending the next decade with Boro - making over 300 appearances.
In 2008 after 11 seasons with the Teesiders, he made the decision to move south into London with Fulham interested in establishing some stability at the back.
After five years at the Cottagers, a two-year spell with Chelsea was largely ineffective with opportunities scarce. He made three Champions League appearances and four in the Premier League, before a final campaign with former champions Leicester.
Here, he added one more clean sheet to his tally - a goalless draw against Hull City in March 2015 was their first fixture without conceding for two months.
The following season, he watched on from the substitutes' bench as Leicester achieved the unthinkable and won the Premier League. Deciding it was the perfect time to retire, Mark earned third spot on the all-time chart with 152 clean sheets in 514 appearances.
#2 David James: 169 clean sheets
Another former England international in this list, David James played for a number of clubs during his illustrious professional career.
Making his debut for Watford in 1988 after coming through their youth ranks, Liverpool signed James four years later - at the same time the Premier League was introduced.
Making over 200 appearances for the Reds during his seven-year spell, he made moves to Aston Villa (1999), West Ham (2001) and Manchester City (2004) with regular first-team action a key demand for him to remain settled.
Harry Redknapp, then Portsmouth manager, signed the veteran Englishman in 2006. He won the FA Cup and also made 134 PL appearances, earning 39 clean sheets during his four-year spell there.
He won 53 international caps before retiring after the 2010 World Cup. Joining a handful of lesser clubs, both in England and elsewhere across Europe, he eventually retired at the start of 2015 after a brief stint with ISL side Kerala Blasters.
#1 Petr Cech: 194 clean-sheets
Concluding this list, Petr Cech is currently the Premier League goalkeeper with the most clean sheets - and can still continue to rack them up.
Having began his career with Czech side Chmel Blšany in 1999, he spent two seasons there before seeking an improvement to help aid his development. Sparta Prague was his stepping stone to greater things, as he was spotted and signed by French side Rennes after only one season there.
In 2004, José Mourinho made his way to England with Chelsea his next destination. Cech was signed and been a perfect example of model consistency ever since, establishing his world-class quality and reliability when the Blues needed it most as they continuously improved on a yearly basis with the imposing 'keeper firmly their first-choice.
Thibaut Courtois' excellent displays with Atlético Madrid were too good to ignore and after making his desire for first-team minutes clear, Chelsea gave the legend their blessing to join London rivals Arsenal in the summer of 2015.
He continues to ply his trade in the league he's made his home and at 35, shows no signs of stopping yet. 413 PL appearances later, he has already earned a staggering 194 clean sheets and will be eager to extend the record before retiring at the top.
