Carl Jenkinson has reflected on his first few months as an Arsenal player and confirmed that he has played far more first team minutes than he had ever expected.
The 19-year-old right-back was drafted in from Charlton during the summer in a move which raised eyebrows across the red side of North London. Installed as first choice back-up to Bacary Sagna in the aftermath of Emmanuel Eboue’s sale, the inexperienced teen has since been forced into regular action at the Emirates with his French mentor spending time on the sidelines.
Interviewed by teammate Johna Djourou for Arsenal Player, Jenkinson explained how he was living the dream having previously watched the Gunners from the terraces as a supporter.
“I’m really enjoying myself. Obviously I support Arsenal and I have since I was a kid so [my enjoyment] explains itself.
“To be playing for Arsenal, the team I’ve supported all my life, is unbelievable really and I’m just very excited to be here and to be doing my best for the club.”
Having been sent off in the 8-2 drubbing at Manchester United, the Jenkinson has certainly experienced something of a baptism of fire. However with a creditable performance away at Marseille under his belt, and with a cameo showing in Saturday’s win at Stamford Bridge, the summer signing appears to be growing in confidence.
“Obviously the results have been mixed. Manchester United was very disappointing, but then I’ve had the high of [beating] Chelsea which was unbelievable.
“You’re going to have ups and downs in football, but overall it has been really exciting and I’ve played a lot more games than I was expecting. I think I’ve made ten appearances now in my first year.
“There’s still a long time to go so it’s really exciting for me and I’m really enjoying it every time I pull on an Arsenal shirt.”
Arriving at the club at the same time as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jenkinson confirmed that he had struck up a good off-field rapport with the Southampton Academy graduate. Alas, pushed by Djourou to name a player in Wenger’s squad who annoyed him, he couldn’t help but take a dig at his new mate’s apparent bad dress-sence.
“I’m good mates with Alex Chamberlain, he’s quite a good guy, but some of the clothes he wears…I must say they annoy me.
“I’ve never seen a dress sense like it. I don’t know what he’s doing with himself. It’s awful…but there we go, some people do struggle.”
You’ve play more than WE expected. But you’ve done a great job. Give Bacary a good run for his money when he gets back. We need this type of competition
No, really?!
For me hes played very well since hes joined hes had 2 bad games ie Man utd and probably Marseille on Tuesday.
But hes 19 Sagna is 28. Sagna isnt a special footballer hes just consistent. Jenkinson can follow the same path he will get better and better
Sagna’s consistency is special.
I actually thought he has a very solid display at the Marseille game.
To be consistent is to be very special indeed.
Baccy is by far our most consistant performer. But I like that this guy is a gooner at heart. It means he’s living his dream and hopefully will never do a cashley on us. Wouldn’t mind seeing koscielny have a run at right back tho this weekend. Although I feel the BFG will be rested
good right backs are hard to find…if you look around the EPL its hard to find any even close to Sagna. many clubs are deploying center backs or holding midfielders on the right. others trot out jose boswinga or glen johnson, who can’t defend. jenkinson’s size, heading ability, strength, work rate and stamina (he came in first in the summer fitness drills, according to reports) are special attributes that can’t be taught. his complete commitment to the team is evident in this interview. his passing, crossing, positioning and defending will improve with time and experience. I think that In 3… Read more »
It’s good that Jenkinson has competition in Djourou whoever win gets to warm the Bench for Lord Sagna . I LOVE THIS DEPTH
[…] at right back, and the youngster seems to be progressing rather well. Here’s his reflection over the past few months since he has been at […]
Love the bombing runs, and the fact that he actually makes it back from them! He certainly doesnt seem to tire easily. He’s a great crosser of the ball too, an area of our attack that I guess has lacked some potency in recent times…
all those wankers who were having a pop at CJ look pretty fucking stupid now, and good. Fuck them
to be frank watching him whip in consistently dangerous crosses that beat the first and second defenders is a revelation. no disrespect to bac – who’s a storming right back – but i don’t think anyone at the club can cross it like CJ. If only he could teach Theo to cross the ball like that.
a gooner, wearing the shirt, doing us proud?
more of that, please