Antonin Kinsky insists Tottenham can win survival fight

Antonin Kinsky believes Tottenham are moving in the right direction under new boss Roberto De Zerbi and can avoid relegation.

Back-up goalkeeper Kinsky played his part in a much-needed first Premier League win in 16 matches on Saturday with a superb stoppage-time save to deny Joao Gomes and clinch a vital 1-0 victory at Wolves.

Spurs’ survival hopes have been affected by an enormous injury crisis, with Xavi Simons and Dominic Solanke the latest to join the treatment table. Kinsky, meanwhile, has earned a chance due to hernia surgery last month for first-choice Guglielmo Vicario.

It was an unexpected opportunity for Kinsky, especially coming a matter of weeks after a nightmare display at Atletico Madrid, but the 23-year-old has impressed with his composure on the ball and could retain his starting berth at Aston Villa on Sunday even if Vicario is available.

With the trust of De Zerbi, his team-mates and the backing of Spurs’ supporters, Kinsky is positive the club can overturn a two-point deficit to 17th-placed West Ham and avoid a first relegation since 1977.

“Yeah, the determination is huge. We feel that we want it, the fans want it, everyone is behind us and we will do everything we can,” Kinsky reflected.

It has been a whirlwind period for Kinsky after a surprise recall for a Champions League last-16 first leg tie in Madrid ended in calamitous circumstances as two early mistakes were followed by a shock 17th-minute withdrawal by then-interim boss Igor Tudor.

Kinsky’s road to redemption started immediately, with assistant goalkeeper coach Dean Brill the first to follow him down the tunnel at Riyadh Air Metropolitano before team-mates Joao Palhinha, Conor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke raced off after the Czech stopper to rally round him.

Three weeks later Tudor left Spurs and with Vicario sidelined, De Zerbi had the choice between Kinsky or Brandon Austin.

Kinsky got the nod and produced an accomplished display at Sunderland before a solid outing in a 2-2 draw at home to Brighton was followed by a starring role at Wolves, where two second-half interventions contributed towards a vital three points.

“I am happy because this was an important moment for us, an important game and it was five games until the end.

“We know that every game we need to get the points as much as possible, so of course we did it and got the three points. We want to continue this in the next games.

“It is more about keeping balanced, being focused on the offensive part of the game if you have the ball 70 per cent or something like this and then at the back being compact and ready for any counter.

“I think we did it well and especially in the first half. Second half could be better and I think these are the things we can take into the next game.”