Joao: “Amazing save” | Roberto: “He deserves this day” – praise for Kinsky
Joao Palhinha said Antonin Kinsky’s late, late save against Wolves was just as important as his goal as we secured a vital 1-0 win at Molineux on Saturday.
The goalkeeper had to use every inch of his frame to reach Joao Gomes’ free-kick destined for the top corner with 98 minutes on the clock on a tense afternoon in the Black Country. He did just that, tipping the ball over and then crashing into the post mid-flight. We defended the corner, the final whistle blew and we could celebrate a big win.
Joao struck in the 82nd minute, sliding to reach Richarlison’s poke towards goal from Pedro Porro’s corner. In a game that had become increasingly scrappy, not least in the wake of losing Dominic Solanke and Xavi to injury, the players showed character to dig out the three points.
Speaking to us afterwards, Joao reflected on Antonin’s late intervention. “Amazing save,” he said. “I was saying in the other flash (interview, after the game) that I give the same credit to Antonin as the importance of my goal. I can give you this example, because it was such an amazing save at the end and he gave us the three points. So, it was amazing and congratulations for all the team for what we did today.”
Asked about the save and Antonin’s display in his post-match press conference, Roberto De Zerbi was full of praise, not least after he'd gone through such a tough time in our Champions League loss at Atletico Madrid in March.
“He deserves this day, because he played very well, especially today,” said Roberto. “He was crucial for the result. He deserves everything, because he's a good guy, he's a good goalkeeper, and especially after Madrid, he deserves a day like today.”