Kinsky’s 98th-Minute Save Keeps Spurs’ Survival Hopes Alive

Key facts

• Antonin Kinsky made a one-handed flying save in the 98th minute to deny Joao Gomes’ free-kick in Tottenham’s 1-0 win at Wolves.
• The save has been shortlisted for the Premier League’s Coca-Cola Save of the Month for April.
• Tottenham secured their first Premier League win of 2026 thanks to Joao Palhinha’s 82nd-minute goal.
• Spurs remain two points adrift of safety with four games remaining, after relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham also won last weekend.
• Kinsky made his third consecutive league start and was voted Player of the Match by Tottenham fans.
• The Czech goalkeeper collided with the post while making the save but preserved the clean sheet.
• Kinsky faces competition from Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Bernd Leno, Karl Darlow, and Martin Dubravka for the monthly award.
• Voting for the Save of the Month closes at midday on Monday, 4 May.

A Save That Could Define a Season

With Tottenham on the brink of a first Premier League win of 2026, Antonin Kinsky’s 98th-minute, full-stretch dive to keep out what looked to be an inch-perfect Joao Gomes free-kick was pivotal to their victory at Wolves last weekend. The Czech goalkeeper’s one-handed stop, which saw him crash into the post, has been hailed as a potential save of the season. It preserved a 1-0 lead secured by Joao Palhinha’s 82nd-minute goal and gave Spurs a precious three points in their relegation battle.

Kinsky’s Modest Reflection on the Moment

“I’m happy you say so,” Kinsky said with a smile when asked about the wonder-save. “It was more also the weight of the moment. Everyone knows it’s important, especially the last minute because then you don’t have time to add another one.” The goalkeeper acknowledged the significance of the result: “It’s very precious. If we wouldn’t bring three points from there, of course, it would be much more difficult now. We are not closer but at least we didn’t get further [away]. So the difference is still just two points.”

Relegation Rivals Also Win, But Belief Grows

Despite the victory, Tottenham did not gain ground on safety as relegation rivals Nottingham Forest and West Ham also won last weekend. However, the win bolstered belief within the squad that they have reached a turning point and can overhaul the two-point gap to safety with four games remaining. Kinsky’s save has renewed confidence that Spurs can rescue themselves from their precarious position.

Save of the Month Nomination

Kinsky has received his maiden nomination for the Premier League’s Coca-Cola Save of the Month for April. The save faces competition from Everton’s Jordan Pickford, Newcastle United’s Aaron Ramsdale, Fulham’s Bernd Leno, Leeds United’s Karl Darlow, and Burnley’s Martin Dubravka. Voting closes at midday on Monday, 4 May. The nomination adds to the recognition Kinsky earned after being voted Player of the Match by Tottenham fans for his performance.

Learning from Past Errors

Kinsky’s heroics at Wolves come after he reflected on errors made during his time at Atletico Madrid, which have helped him grow as a goalkeeper. The 21-year-old has now made three successive league starts for Spurs, establishing himself as a key figure in the team’s fight for survival. His development has been supported by manager Roberto De Zerbi, who has encouraged a positive approach despite the relegation battle.

What Lies Ahead for Tottenham

Tottenham’s next fixture is against Aston Villa, with live coverage on Sky Sports. The team will need to build on the momentum from the Wolves win to close the gap to safety. With only four games left, every point is crucial. Kinsky’s save has given the squad a renewed sense of belief, but the margin for error remains razor-thin.

The bottom line

• Antonin Kinsky’s 98th-minute save secured Tottenham’s first Premier League win of 2026 and has been nominated for Save of the Month.
• Spurs remain two points from safety with four games left, after relegation rivals also won last weekend.
• Kinsky credited the weight of the moment and the team’s belief as key factors in the victory.
• The goalkeeper’s development under Roberto De Zerbi and lessons from Atletico Madrid have prepared him for high-pressure situations.
• Tottenham face Aston Villa next, needing to maintain momentum to avoid relegation.