Antonín Kinský believes his last‑minute heroics could prove to be the defining moment of Tottenham’s season. In the final minutes of the Wolves game, the Czech keeper launched himself fully stretched to tip away a seemingly perfect free‑kick from João Gomes, preserving a crucial three points for a side desperate for a win in the 2026 Premier League campaign.
While that victory did not move Spurs ahead of their relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham, who also won their matches, it injected a much‑needed surge of confidence and reinforced the notion that the club may be turning a corner as they chase the two‑point safety margin with only four games remaining. When asked by Sky Sports whether his stop was a "save of the season," Kinský smiled modestly and replied, "I’m happy you say that.
It was also about the weight of the moment. Everyone knows how important the final minute is – you don’t have time to make up for a mistake later." His words underscored the psychological lift the save provided, a lift that could translate into a more resilient performance over the coming fixtures. The importance of the win, Kinský explained, lies in its rarity.
"It’s very precious. If we hadn’t taken those three points, the situation would be far more difficult now. We haven’t moved closer to safety, but at least we haven’t drifted further away – the gap remains two points." This subtle but honest assessment reflects the thin line Spurs are treading: every point matters, and the belief within the squad that they can still escape the relegation zone has been rekindled.
Kinský’s optimism is not limited to the recent triumph. When questioned about the broader relegation battle, he emphasized a positive mindset: "It’s just positive.
If anyone in the squad felt otherwise, there would be no point in being part of the team. Belief is the foundation – without it you can’t achieve anything.
You have to set a goal, believe in it, and then work hard to reach it. That’s the most important thing." His comments echo a collective resolve that appears to be strengthening as the season reaches its climax. A significant factor behind this renewed confidence is the arrival of head coach Roberto De Zerbi. The Italian’s charismatic leadership has made an immediate impact both on the pitch and in the dressing‑room, lifting the spirits of Kinský and his teammates.
"What you hear from him is that he believes in us, and that message is huge. He doesn’t just talk about quality; he shows it. His preferred style suits our squad, and I think it will work," Kinský said. He added that the team has already collected four points from three games under De Zerbi and that the remaining four fixtures will be decisive.
Kinský’s calm, focused approach is a product of both professional experience and personal growth. Earlier this season, under former manager Igor Tudor, the goalkeeper endured a painful Champions League debut against Atlético Madrid. After just 17 minutes, he was forced off following two individual errors and three goals conceded in the first leg of the last‑16 tie. The decision to start Kinský over the regular number 1, Guglielmo Vicario, had been a surprise, especially given his limited involvement in only two Carabao Cup matches prior to that night.
Reflecting on that night, Kinský admitted to a period of intense self‑reflection but noted that his recent performances, especially while Vicario recovers from a hernia operation, have been markedly better. "It was a dream to debut in the Champions League as a youngster, so when it went wrong I was devastated but also calm.
I have a great support network that gives me honest feedback. I listened, compared it with my own feelings, and they matched.
The lesson was simple: keep going and be ready for the next opportunity," he explained. That experience, painful as it was, has made him stronger. "I feel stronger now because I’ve lived through that.
You become stronger when you survive a tough moment. It shows you what you can improve, both technically and mentally," Kinský said.
He believes the ordeal has broadened his perspective on the game, prompting him to fine‑tune his mental approach and work on areas that need development. With the season winding down, Tottenham must absorb lessons quickly and translate belief into results.
Kinský’s resilience serves as an inspiring example for his teammates as they navigate the final stretch that will determine their Premier League fate. The club’s fans, meanwhile, can cling to the optimism expressed by the goalkeeper and the fresh tactical direction under De Zerbi, hoping that the combination of belief, improved performances, and a few more crucial points will keep Spurs in the top flight. The journey ahead remains challenging, but the narrative is shifting from panic to purposeful determination. As Kinský put it, "If we all believe in the goal and work towards it, nothing is pointless.
That’s the spirit we need to carry forward into the remaining matches."