Tottenham are safe in the knowledge they'll be in the Premier League next season. It has been a nightmare of a season for Spurs, and it's one they must learn from if they want to turn the situation around quickly.
It has been a season of very few positives, but one of the best narratives includes goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who enjoyed a turnaround in recent weeks.
Antonin Kinsky turns hero
Few will forget the horror scenes we saw when Kinsky had a disastrous first half against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The performance saw Kinsky replaced before half-time, leaving him devastated and embarrassed.
It was a tough situation to watch unfold, especially given it involved a young player, with Kinsky still only 23 years of age. But the goalkeeper's story did not end there.
With Guliglielmo Vicario having struggled with injury in recent weeks, Kinsky was entrusted with guarding the net once more for Spurs for the final stretch of the relegation battle, and he even kept his place when A Tottenham player who was almost down and out saved them from relegation Vicario returned to fitness.
Kinsky has dazzled in moments, producing some big saves, and none bigger than the world-class save he produced to deny Tyrique George deep into stoppage time.
George worked his way inside and produced a wicked shot towards the top corner. Kinsky flew into the air and produced a top save, reminding everyone of his shot-stopping ability.
While the lateness of the goal would likely have meant Tottenham stayed up on goal difference even if the win turned to the draw, it was still a game-saving moment from the goalkeeper, who needs big moments to put that night in Madrid in the rear-view mirror.
The moment wasn't missed by Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, either, who has been blown away by Kinsky's quality over recent weeks. Speaking after the win over Everton, De Zerbi described Kinsky as a 'great goalkeeper', and it looks as though the stopper has a big future ahead of him at Spurs.
“About Kinsky, I want to say a secret,” De Zerbi told reporters. “Before my first game in Sunderland I thought to give, when I was in Italy, I thought to give for the Sunderland game, just for one game, to make Kinsky the captain.
“To show just one thing, very important in football but in life. If we are a team, we are like a family. If one of us is going through a difficult period, we have to stay with him. Showing love, showing everything he needs, but he didn't need it because he has a strong character, strong personality. He's a great goalkeeper.
“And I want to say also something for Vicario because with me he was fantastic. As a guy, staying at the side with his passion today on the bench. He accepted my decision with a smile.”
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