Carl Jenkinson.
I don’t think it’s too soon to say it.
We all know the unrivalled track record of great buys by Arsene Wenger, Anelka, van Persie, Vieira, and many more. We don’t even have to discuss the profits made on their sales, because, again, it’s nothing short of spectacular.
During our stressful summer before last season, with Cesc going home, and the little traitor Nasri leaving, there was little talked about a purchase from Charlton Athletic. At the time I was curious about this unheard of player who I believe was out on loan to a non-league team when Wenger signed him.
I remember telling my Finnish friend that I had a feeling about this buy. No, I’m not saying I saw something in him, I just had a sneaking suspicion that Arsene had found another little diamond in the rough. I thought, he’s not French, Ligue 1 or 2 and it seemed an odd pick for us as we are more known for our French international connections.
Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott were known to many, and we paid fairly large fees for them, that itself made him more intriguing and at a reported one million, he was not the cheapest signing we’ve ever made. But no other club plucks talent that inexpensive like Arsenal, so my expectations are always pretty high, no matter how low the number.
You see, even though Arsene has been betrayed by some players who we believe owed him loyalty, we are very fortunate to have such a fine leader, a man with friends and contacts all over the map. Now I know, we have one of, if not the best scouting organizations in the world.
But I don’t think our Jenkinson came from the normal scouting process. I am almost sure, that a friend of Arsene picked up a phone, or somehow dropped a word to Wenger personally. Someone saw something special in this kid. From the tip to Wenger, we may then have done the normal scouting job, but this was not a normal case, especially because he was fast tracked right into the team, and not just because of injuries.
What I, and a lot of us notice when we he plays, is his tenacity, energy and fearlessness. Absolutely no shyness about the jump to the Premier league or playing Champions league matches straight away. He seems like he would run through fire for Arsenal. I’m also very impressed with the quality of his crosses, which I assumed was another thing that stood out to whoever discovered him.
It’s only sweeter to see the photo of him in his old family bedroom with all his Gunners merchandise, wallpaper, bedspread etc. What a dream come true story. But all that is just a bonus.
True Gooner….
Even with the gut feeling I had, he has far surpassed what anyone could have expected or hoped with his play this season. I have to say, at this point, I consider the Sagna injury, if there had to be one, was perfectly timed for us. (The same way, Arsene was lucky Clichy wanted to move on for money, clearing the way for the hugely improved Gibbs.)
How often do you see 20-year-old right backs considered for man of the match on a team loaded with internationals, which he is already being mentioned for by some? His tackling, crosses, decisions, and even ball handling are impressive for his age. Much of this is noticeably better than last season, when he sometimes seemed a bit awkward in certain situations.
So clearly we can assume that he works just as hard in training and with our new assistant coaches as he does on the match days when we see him. At the rate he’s improving, we will probably see him score goals in the future too. I think there is very little limit to how good he can be for us.
When Sagna returns, we will have great depth at right back, and I might even prefer Jenkinson. What a great problem to have.
I would one day love to know how we found him, but for now, I’ll just thank Le Professors judgement, also the friend that whispered the name in his ear.
There is no doubt, just like his Grandfather, Father and other family members, Carl Jenkinson is an Arsenal man through and through. Sadly though, his Grandfather never got to see him play in the red and white of his team. In fitting memory, the young Englishman organised to have an engraved message on Armoury Square outside the ground that reads ‘Grandad, hope you’re proud – Carl Jenkinson’.
I strongly suspect he is……….
Carl Jenkinson is mature beyond his years, and not just in relation to football….
Written by Nigel Tufnel
Great post.
What a level headed kid!
Morning all.
Nice post Nigel.
I am loving Jenks’ performances this season, ha has really held his own and hasn’t done much wrong really. It’s a tricky one to call as to whether Bac will come straight in, but I don’t think he should until Jenks needs a rest or his form takes a slight dip. It would be great to have them both fighting for that place and they could be interchanged without any worry about withers ability.
Jenks seems like a top lad and I’m dead chuffed for him.
That looks just like my bedroom.
Ah NT. fine refreshing post especially for a dull international break week.
Morning all..
Great read Nt, Hope you don’t mind the added pics…
Jenks has greatly impressed me too and as you say, the fact that he is a true gooner makes it all a bit of a bonus. But i think that bit of him brings the ‘walk through walls’ attitude. Something we can sometimes lack.
Said before, and it’s only my view but I see him as the future proper captain of Arsenal, and I reckon he’ll soon be at the heart of our defence, centrally.
Really good player already who will only get better and better.
I heard he was signed on the recommendation of Liam Brady by the way….
Cracking post NT, let’s hope he doesn’t struck down by the curse of the Gooner bedroom!! 😉
Carl, ur grandad is more than proud.
This says it all.
He talks like Becks 🙂
Did the little boy inside you tell you to do your bedroom like that Adam?
Still can’t believe we lost 8-2 to utd.
It did Lewis. But I also have a pair of Arsenal carpet slippers and a picture of Squillacci on my wall.
Morning all.
Lewis – would any of us, this time last year be sat thinking that Sagna injured was not such a bit deal.
I’ll be really disappointed if he walks straight back into the side…
😆 Lee, but this is more than just a shirt….
Adam, the picture of the Squilster does it act as a dream catcher?
Booo!! That looks like my room; with the odd Torres pillow case. 😀
Howdy, all?
Lee. It does and it is also a great attraction for the ladies I lure to my lair. They can’t resist the Squilster and I tell them that he is a close friend before hypnotising them with my Arsenal key-ring.
I appear in court next Wednesday.
Agag. Good morning or is it evening?
Torres agag, have you not got over that obsession yet, you are as bad as Adam and Squilli… 😉
Boo to you too 🙂
Is that a shirt of kanu 25 on his laps? i became an arsenal fan because of that hatrick against chelsea. it took a lot of courage to break out of a man utd surporting family… i’ve been mocked ever since… c’mon corporal jenks i need a trophy
We’re starting to look like a team again; with players who are proper Arsenal!! 🙂 I like.
I’m in Amsterdam, Adam. What people have been calling fantastic weather, I find so unbearably coooold. 🙂 🙂
rico, you have new contributors, I like. How is everything?
Off to do my touristy stuff now. Catch you guys later! 🙂
One of the best posts ive read…brilliant.
His bedroom looks like my Seans…..Arsenal everywhere!!
To think as a 6 y.o.,Jenks would’ve been dreaming the same dreams kids everywhere are.
Remember back to the OT debacle last season…Jenks soed a bit,even on that day of days.
His improvement has been nothing short of remarkable,and yes,Wenger has once again shown his genius…….amazingly,Gooners need reminding.
Agag. I can fly to Amsterdam from London City airport in only 40 minutes.
If you have travelled there to see Goonster I am afraid to tell you he is in the US. 🙂
With you on this. I had a feeling about when he came to arsenal. It reminds me of watching fabregas at 16 in the arsenal youth team and scholes in the man-u youth team when everyone was talking about Butt. You can see that they have something extra. Jenkinson will be our dominant right-back in my opinion. I can’t see Sagna getting back in there really, maybe for a bit but Jenks is the future for sure. It wouldn’t surprise me if he started scoring soon!
Diaby
Hi Kev.
Adam, you can rely on me to be a character witness.
Those keyrings are rather good aren’t they?!
They are Kev, although, like the team, I do wonder as to their staying power. 🙂
What would we saying of Corporal Jenks thus far if TW had started most matches on the RHS?
Hello me ol’ China….how you doing AK?
Morning Gooners btw.
Morning Rico.
Nigel, you bowled us over with that one.
A mighty fine post indeed.
Great to see so much new writing talent on here.
Jenkinson = Living the Dream.
Adam, do you have the Arsenal toaster?
Agag swears by them…
Btw, Agag in Holland?!!!
Not sure I really know what to say?
‘Concerned’, is the word that springs to mind.
Duracell does it for me Adam.
Actually Stan has disappeared since we lost to Chelsea.
Wonder if the Vikings have got him?
Ak- agag is probably checking out one of those Burberry outlets you recommended in Amsterdam.
The toaster? No Kev. But Mrs Adam and I are the new Pearly King and Queen of Highbury. Our matching suits are hand-sewn with 25,000 red and white sequins and we are sponsored by the pie and mash shop in Chapel Market in Islington. Rico works there behind the counter and always gives me extra eels. You can’t miss us.
Hello Lee, i’m really very well thank you.
Looking forward to the next session of the Curry Club.
How’s things with you?
Morning all, nice post nigel,
Full-back, wing-back, nothing fazes this lad.
Tsgh re 11.03, there is some method to Wengers madness you know.
Good morning all,
Bit late this morning, couldn’t resist the crisp sunny morning, managed about a mile with no ill effects. Feeling great.
I like the post NT, When Jenkinson arrived I thought he looked raw and out of his class but he has made such rapid improvement that he must now be considered our number one right-back. I think he is slightly different to Sagna, more defensively minded, a little less gung-ho going forward, no doubt the Bould influence coming through.
It’s great that Wenger, at the moment, doesn’t have to rush Sagna back. He can take all the time he needs.
I don’t like the reports appearing of Inter Milan’s interest in Bacary, even if it is only on Talk Sport.
Manze’s…
Hi Micko… Ha Ha Ha..
Does AW use tooth picks with arsenal logo engraved on?
All good Kev, work has been a lot busier so less time in “The House”…..now I’ll never turn down a Ruby! We should get one sorted……
Hiya TSGH, hope your busy with another post mate.
Rico and eels, hmm Adam, that’s a powerful image.
Pearly King & Queen?
I must have my photograph done with you next time I see you in Highbury Fields, Adam?
Pie & Mash, yum, food of the Gods.
Agag would love the liquer…
Jenks is even cutting out SYG’s pet hate. ie pushing the ball infront of him whilst he decides what to do with the ball. Saying that he has not done that since it was commented on here a few weeks ago. He must be visiting this site Rico.lol
Manzes indeed.
Hiya Ak, I have to, the standards are getting raise on here now…
The only problem is I am doing less work in the office now. 😀
You know, there are some days, when you really don’t want to go to work.
For me, that day is today…
Third cuppa tea, putting off the inevitable.
Sigh!
Hey Kev. There’s a new one opened in Wanstead recently. They also do poached salmon, mash and liquer. It’s all become rather posher than it used to be. 🙂
JW, glad you are well.
It was 5 years, last month, that I had my ‘incident’, and i’ve not looked back.
Tsgh 11.25, I dunno mate, only Scott would know the answer to that one, they’re pretty close.
Agag, if Stanley was anything half decent he would have arranged a half way meet with ya !
Hi AK,
Let’s hope we both have many years of supporting Arsenal to come. 🙂
Sorry, the doorbell rang 😉
Rico,
Hope it’s not Jehova’s Witnesses, you’ll be chatting for hours. 🙂
I look at it this way:
He was bought to compensate for the “wasted” 8 mil on Squllaci.
He has more than compensated for that loss.
Me, eels – yuck, never in a year of sundays…..
Three burnt pies, double mash with eels in liquor…now that;’s what I’m talking about!!! Kelly’s down Bethnal Green Road is a good ‘un too!
Rico- interesting i/v by SC19. As we were talking about the captaincy, it appears most of the Arsenal players consider Arteta as captain not TV
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2012/10/10/3439291/-
😆 JW, thankfully not, just a friend who wanted a coffee, mind you, he can talk for hours too….
I want a coffee too Rico. 🙂
Ah! Stewed eels and liquor. The last time I got anywhere near that was ten years ago in Greenwich but the queue was about fifty yards long. Do any of those wonderful establishments do home delivery? I’m only about 150 miles away.
And I am a Jehovah’s Witness as well. 🙂
Bloody Hell! Rico please delete my 12.04 🙂
JW. No, they are quite a soggy pie anyway so 150 miles won’t do them a lot of good. But if you are ever up this way let me know and I will be happy to take you for some. Lee and Kev will come too though I just can’t see Rico scoffing an eel myself. 🙂
That is interesting Tsgh – and it often seems to be Arteta talking on the official site.
Strange goings on….
Lee, that sounds disgusting….
Rico- so far as we get 20 million for him I will be chuffed
Hope to take you up on that sometime soon Adam.
Gotta go.
Me too Adam, we would have a lot to chat about.. decaf ok?
Spot on too, never a chance of me eating one of those slippery things, I’d rather stick pins in my eyes 😉
Deleted JW…
Hi guys. I’ve been so busy this week so far. I’m going on vacation starting Saturday so I’m trying to clear up my desk at work. Sadly that means less time for HH. 🙁 I’m thrilled for Jenks.if he makes the most of what he has now I’m sure he’ll become one of the best.
At least he’s on a long term contract Tsgh 😉
But maybe there are better out there….
Go steady JW..
Hi Will, so you are off on an international break too, well i hope you have a fab time, don’t stay away too long…
Are you island hoping? 😉
Decaf is fine Rico and as a Witness I do want to talk to you about our Lord. You supply the coffee ( I bet you have a flash machine to make it) and I promise not to bring any eels. 🙂
Very flash machine Adam, it’s called a kettle 😉
popping off for an hour now…. few things to be doing..
DNA Barcelona!! … I’m joking. That’s not funny at all. I remember Wenger buys him and I think we are not need him in first time. I wonder why Wenger buys him but Carl reweil his love to Arsenal I see that’s why.
‘Hearts can be bought but not the spirits’- he can be the strongest arsenal player if he fought with his heart.
As a ‘Witness’ Adam, your favourite Jimi Hendrix track must be All Along the Watchtower…
Are you an ‘Elder’…?
Kev. I swing between that, Scientology and David Icke’s proposition that we are ruled by lizards in human form. His recent announcement that the Moon is in fact a hollow spaceship that is being used to control our minds seemed far fetched until I saw Tony Pulis and Chris Waddle being interviewed recently. Now I am not so sure.
Was he a cricketer Ak 😉
Back to the dyson…..
Jenkinson has really improved this season but I still believe that Sagna is a shade better in defending. While Jenkinson does his full back duties very well, Sagna in addition to his duties, helps the central defenders a lot. If Sagna had been in the Chelsea game, we probably would not have conceded the two goals. The good thing is that Jenkinson can also help out on the left side should the situation call for it, besides, there are many competitions, so he will get his fair share of games and also allow us manage Sagna in view of his recent injuries and also his age. Nice headache to have.
Hi Rico, i was thrilled when i realized that my vacation was actually on the international break. I wish i could say i planned it that way but i didn’t. Its perfect. i was obviously being guided by the moon ship. I’m not island hopping, I’m going to Boston for a week. I’ll definitely be reading HH while I’m away. How could i not?
Adam, that is so interesting.
I have often been drawn towards the cheese theory myself.
Regarding the moon of course, although Tesco’s do a good line in ‘Buy One, Get One Free’…
Whatever happened to David Icke?
Off topic, just said hello to Luis Boa Morte at St Pancras.
Seems a nice guy.
Shame about his football.
Icke is still going strong. It is amazing that there are so many people prepared to pay to hear him really. His website is a strange thing indeed. I believe every word of it. 🙂
Lee, are you a child of the moon?
Adam you crack me up. at 12:56
Tony Poo-list is in charge of the coaching exams board at St. Georges
Perfect timing indeed Will, Boston eh, you going to have a tea party 😉
Good Afternoon my Esteemed Fellow Gunners.
Nigel Tufnell ………. I am impressed. a great post about both my favourite players of the moment……Jenks and Gibbs.
If that was your first one…….great one mate.
I am impressed. Really. Off to read it again.
Never been on that one Adam, seems that i’m missing out again.
Whilst on the subject of websites, I wonder if Abou Hamza has one?
I have often marvelled at his speech’s…
His preaching of understanding and humanity.
And his tolerance.
We could all learn a lot…
Where is LBM playing nowadays AK?
LBM..? Not really sure Rico.
Where did he go when he left West Ham?
Hiya habib. how are you Kev???
We are all ok.
Highly-rated forward Chuba Akpom has put pen to paper on professional terms with Arsenal after turning 17.
Akpom is regarded as one of the most exciting young talents in the English game and is already a regular for Arsenal’s Under-21s.
He scored his first goal for Terry Burton’s side against Reading on Monday night, while he has also impressed in the NextGen Series this season.
Akpom has represented England at a number of youth levels and scored three goals in four games for the Under 17s at the 2011 Nordic Tournament.
He will now be looking forward to continuing his progression at Emirates Stadium and, in time, breaking into Arsene Wenger’s senior side.
Burton has certainly been impressed by Akpom, saying previously: “It has always been the benchmark of this club – quality players moving through the ranks and getting into the first team. That is always the aim.”
.
Hiya Coach.
I’m good mate.
You as well I trust.
Traffic in London is appalling today.
Impossible to get anywhere.
Midfielder Santi Cazorla says he is more appreciated in England than his native Spain, telling reporters he ‘feels more important at Arsenal’.
The 27-year-old playmaker joined the Gunners during the summer for a fee in the region of £16m, and has taken little time to settle.
In his nine appearances for his new club, the Spain international has scored two goals and put in a number of man-of-the-match performances. The plaudits he’s been receiving have been welcomed by the player himself.
“It could be that in the few months I have been there people have been talking a lot more about me,” he told a news conference today ahead of Spain’s World Cup qualifier away to Belarus.
Cazorla spent most of his career at Villarreal before joining Malaga last season where he helped the coastal club qualify for the Champions League for the first time. Since joining Arsenal he has quickly become a fans favourite, helping the team make a strong start to the season despite the departure of Robin van Persie during the summer.
“I feel important at Arsenal and I want to keep developing,” he added.
“The way Arsenal play and the responsibility they have given me is something I have always sought out.
“I think it’s a step forward in my career and I hope to improve a great deal in the future.”
Despite his impressive performances this term, Cazorla understands that it will remain difficult to get ahead of the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Silva and Cesc Fabregas in the Spain team.
“I am happy with my role and it’s a privilege to be here,” he said of his Spain career.
“Hopefully I can continue to help out as much as possible, I am working every day towards that. I am feeling in very good shape and I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunities I am being given.”
Spain will host France next week at Atletico Madrid’s Calderon stadium where Cazorla will come up against Arsenal team-mates Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny.
“We have to watch out for them,” said Cazorla.
Its obviously doorbell day today, wish people would leave me in peace 😉
Did he go to Bolton Ak?
Toronto, that’s where LBM is…
Hi devil…
Just have to love Cazorla…….
Off for my walk, catch up later….
Afternoon all,
Great read Tuffers, arn’t you writing about the wrong sport 🙂
I’m glad that Jenkinson is being recognised and a post about him is a fine way to start. When he arrived with a million £ price tag i thought Christ who has he brought now, and at the time we realy needed experience, and he buys a kid who had never been heard of, but as you have stated Wenger has indeed found a gem of a player, i don’t think Jenks has found his position yet he is just as good down the wing or central as Rico suggests, but players like jenks do not come along that often, i believe he could play in goal or up front even the referee’s position he does seem to be a bit of an all rounder and i haven’t ever heard him say that he wants to play any set position he is the kind of player that is only happy when he’s playing. I must say i was very impressed by him right from the start he was a bit Shaky but he certainly has improved for the better Tough call for Wenger him or Sags but our normal injury problems will see Jenks fitted in somewhere.. well done Tuffers will look forward to your follow up.
Afternoon Steve and all
Getting chilly out there….
Steve, agree that last season Jenks was a bit hit and miss, but he was thrown in at the deep end. Many wrote him off there and then, but I know a few here who didn’t…
Nearly time for the thermal long-johns again rico.
Did you see Jenks took a load of stick from his team mates after that photo of his bedroom came out, quite funny really.
Hi Micko, haven’t put mine away from last winter….
I did see that, he did an interview and he comes across as a really nice guy doesn’t he..
At least we know he is a genuine gooner, unlike a few we have seen come and go….
Very down to earth lad, probably has to keep pinching himself, think he’ll be around for a while yet if his ole man has anything to do with it.
See kev was mixing in very high circles again earlier, he’s such as show off.
Hi Rico, bit chilly here as well the Mrs has caught a chill so she is coughing and shaking i am keeping her moving about she doesn’t feel well but i thought she needs to keep on the move so she’s cooking the dinner and it smells lovely that will do her a power of good, I have a bit of a cough as well but might go fishing tomorow if she feels better and i’m no worse. We seem to attract some very good writers and they all seem very knowlegable HH is on the up if we keep winning this could be the site.:)
hi all, glad you liked the subject.. it wa seasy for me to talk about something that is so positive for the team. ………His story makes all Gooners feel good.we may be going into an era of proud, and maybe even loyal young players. with Wilshere, Jenks, Frimps maybe, and who knows who else
Hi Tuffers good post mate, and welcome to HH bloody good start Mate i’m hoping for a good season too.
😆 Steve, you are all heart…
Nt, when is the next post coming in 😉
Micko – that’s funny re Ak..
thanks Steve.. i think we are only going to improve, this season and beyond. with great talent returning from injuries, and the new additions and front line starting to come together.
yeah i know Rico careing beyond belief 🙂
Nt, if we can get a good run without picking up any further injuries to key players, anything could happen…
I think we are going to win the CL, PL and the FA cup this season.
No news much now though Steve, i’m starting to struggle 🙁
Fancy fishing when you have a cold 🙄
Ah, here comes the HH comedian 😉
Evening Adam…
Cruel Rico, cruel.
I know how you like having your leg pulled Adam….
Just when I was starting to feel positive too.
About time Adam 😉
Oooooh. You are a hard woman Rico.
Not at all Adam….
get well son kos, we r all hoping for the best….
Talking about FFP on Five Live.
What is up with Kos gdna?
Do they think it will make a difference Ak?
The Bundesliga are the prime example of how to run a financially responsible competition.
he injured his knee today in trg, it looks quite serious, i’m hoping and praying its just a bruise
Spooky that you mentioned Boa Morte earlier Ak, he has signed for Chesterfield today….
Rico, it seems as if the majority of the EPL want to embrace FFP despite UEFA, who nobody has any faith in.
Basically the EPL believes that Platini is all mouth and no trousers.
HH help me pray that kos injury isn’t too serious
Don’t know much about that league…
Just read that the French press say Kos injury is not serious…..
rico – god answers my prayer, because the photos i saw didn’t look good.
Apart from Citeh, Chelsea, and Psg I suspect Ak…
Don’t we all think that of Platini 😉
Lets wait and see gdna…..
That’s me done for the day folks.
You all have a good evening and catch up tomorrow..
Night all
Hope koz is ok, but if hes out for any time, we have to have confidence in djourou and Ignassi. I bet that with our new defensive style, we will see that they are very solid backups. We could always move jenks over anyway 😉 just joking…
I come in just as everyone has left! 😛 Good night, rico!
AK and Micko, Stanley is the last person I’d fly thousands of miles for. 😀 😀 I was in France for a wedding last week;that’s why I’m in your hemisphere.
Adam, I see what now what you mean about all those Dutch women with a pout. 😉 They are everywhere!
tsgh, no shopping, I’m afraid. 🙁
Nigel, wee-done on the debut post. 🙂
Good point Tuffers.
As long as BFG is fit, we’re ok.
Miquel alongside Der Kaiser, no worries from me.
That kid can play, and he’s very good on the floor, can do the tidying up.
Djourou?
Gotta say that he needs to leave.
He’s never gonna be a 1 st choice.
I just don’t think he cuts it in the EPL.
Doesn’t make him a bad player, but maybe in a different league his game will develop better.
Hey, Shopaholic, how ya doing?
You coming over to visit Rico???
Morning Scott.
And
Morning Lee.
Night
Morning anyone…..
New Post up…