After a disastrous performance against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League, goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky has responded with crucial saves to keep Tottenham’s Premier League survival hopes alive.
Kinsky’s nightmare outing on March 10 in the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Atlético seemed to end his season. Many assumed the 23-year-old would not play again for Spurs this year — perhaps not even next. A loan move, or even a permanent transfer, appeared likely. But Kinsky has staged a remarkable comeback, inspiring everyone at the club. With first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario sidelined due to hernia surgery in late March, coach Roberto De Zerbi has started Kinsky in all four matches since taking charge. The manager has not been disappointed.
Kinsky’s standout moment came with a diving save to deny João Gomes’ stoppage-time free kick, securing a 1-0 win over Wolves. His overall composure, including confident ball-playing, has drawn praise. De Zerbi called him “an example” ahead of Monday’s home match against Leeds, with Vicario still unavailable. “What he felt after Madrid, for sure, was a big, big motivation for him,” De Zerbi said. “If you have pride, dignity, the right spirit, and character — he has all those values. He is playing very well. He must stay focused and avoid risks.”
De Zerbi remains cautious despite consecutive wins over Wolves and Aston Villa. A single mistake from Kinsky could shift the narrative. Yet if Kinsky has exorcised his demons, Tottenham face a similar test in their Premier League survival battle against Leeds. Kinsky endured one horror game; Spurs have suffered many at their stadium. Before this matchweek, they shared the league’s worst home record with Burnley — two wins, five draws, ten defeats — while boasting the third-best away record.
De Zerbi struggles to explain the discrepancy. He dismisses it as coincidence, noting home wins over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League and Atlético in the second leg, though not enough to avoid aggregate defeat. His own sample size at Tottenham’s stadium is small — two matches as visiting Brighton manager,
