Jenkinson Determined To Cement Place In Starting XI

Jenkinson Determined To Cement Place In Starting XI

Carl Jenkinson made his dream move to the Emirates Stadium at the start of last season as a completely unknown entity from Charlton Athletic as a 19-year old. His tender age and inexperience of playing at the top level of English football was resoundingly clear during his first few performances for Arsenal, especially during the 8-2 mauling of Arsenal by Manchester United at Old Trafford. Early signs of Jenkinson were enough for the media to judge him as a flop and perhaps one of manager Arsene Wenger’s worst transfers.

However, the daggers directed towards Jenkinson and Wenger has drastically reduced this season as he has come a long way from there and had a much better second year. He has proven himself to be a good back-up for current first choice right-back Bacary Sagna and has filled in efficiently in Sagna’s absence. He has impressed with his athleticism and stamina by bombing down the right flank and causing headaches for the opposition’s defense at every possible opportunity. So much so, that he has already managed to earn his first England senior cap this season.


One thing is certain, we will be seeing more of the defender next season, given the possible departure of Sagna in the summer, which could provide him a shot at being the first-choice right-back for Arsenal, and while speaking to Sky Sports, Jenkinson admitted that he will be making the most of this opportunity. He said, “Next season is a big one for me and I want to grab it with both hands,”

“I want to be the first-choice right-back at this club and I am not going to stop working until I get there.”

“It’s what I want to achieve and after that I want to stay in the position for years to come. I’ve got to work my socks off and keep developing if I want to do it.”