From Tottenham zero to hero: Antonin Kinsky could yet be a breakthrough Spurs star
Tottenham Hotspur’s win over Wolves may have been decided by a late goal, but the real difference came from Antonin Kinsky, whose late save kept Spurs’ survival hopes alive and could prove to be a turning point for the Lilywhites.
For several weeks, Antonin Kinsky has been under pressure at Tottenham Hotspur. When Guglielmo Vicario was ruled out following hernia surgery in March, responsibility fell on the young goalkeeper. In a demanding Premier League relegation battle, errors are quickly punished.
As Spurs’ winless run extended to 15 games, Kinsky often became a focal point for frustration, playing behind a defence that struggled for consistency.
The 1-0 win over Wolves, however, offered a different narrative. While Joao Palhinha scored the decisive goal, Kinsky played a key role in securing the result.
How the Atletico Madrid setback influenced Antonin Kinsky’s Tottenham revival
It has not been an easy season for Antonin Kinsky. The 23-year-old had a tough Champions League debut, taken off in the 16th minute after two big mistakes against Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their last-16 tie in Madrid. At that point, it felt like the Czech goalkeeper might not play again for Tottenham this season.
Questions were raised about his response to that setback. At Molineux, he provided an answer. In a period where Tottenham had been conceding late goals and losing control of matches, Kinsky appeared composed.
He dealt with crosses confidently and helped relieve pressure on Kevin Danso and Micky van de Ven, suggesting the Madrid match was a setback rather than a defining moment.
The key moment for the lilywhite came in the 98th minute. With Wolves pushing for an equaliser, Joao Gomes hit a free-kick that looked like it was going into the top corner.
Kinsky reacted quickly and made a full-stretch save to push the ball away. It was a big moment in the game. More than keeping the lead, it helped Tottenham secure an important win in their fight to stay up and also end their winless run.
Kinsky or Vicario: Goalkeeping decision facing Roberto De Zerbi
With Guglielmo Vicario close to returning, Roberto De Zerbi now has an important decision to make. Vicario brings experience and leadership, which is important for a defence already missing Cristian Romero.
However, there are questions about his passing under pressure. Tottenham need a goalkeeper who is comfortable on the ball and can help build play from the back.
Kinsky, on the other hand, looks more confident with the ball. He seems calmer and fits the team’s way of playing better in that sense. Keeping a steady team could be important as Tottenham try to improve their season.
Kinsky has also been solid in the three games he has played under De Zerbi so far. He has looked more confident with his decisions and his passing than Vicario in recent matches.
Vicario is expected to return to training from Monday as he works his way back to full fitness after hernia surgery. However, based on Kinsky’s performances in the last three games, De Zerbi is unlikely to rush him straight back into the starting XI.
When Tottenham travel to Aston Villa next weekend, Kinsky looks set to keep his place in goal, with his recent form giving the manager a strong reason to stick with him.
Even when Vicario is fully fit, Kinsky should still get more playing time because of his form and how well he fits the team’s style. A more consistent team, with Kinsky in goal, could help Tottenham in their fight to avoid relegation.
Changing the goalkeeper again could affect a defence that looked more stable at Molineux. The decision now is between experience and how well each goalkeeper fits the team’s style, and whether Kinsky can be trusted as the main goalkeeper going forward.
Overall, Kinsky deserves to keep his place in the starting XI after showing strong character to bounce back from his difficult night in Madrid.
The final four games of the season and the challenge ahead
Tottenham are still in the bottom three, with the gap to West Ham at two points. The situation is still tough, but the win over Wolves gives them something to build on.
With recent injuries to key attacking players like Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke, a solid defence is now even more important. Kinsky’s performance showed he can handle pressure, which strengthens his case for staying in the team.
At this stage of the season, especially against Wolves, the result was the most important thing for Tottenham, who could not afford to drop more points after their relegation rivals picked up wins.
However, a performance like this, if repeated against Aston Villa next week, will not be enough to get another win. Tottenham registered just two shots on target and created only one big chance, with most of their threat coming from set-pieces. That level must improve against Villa next week if they are to get a better result.
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