Published: 13 September, 2012
IN THE GROVE with STEVE BARNETT

BOYHOOD Arsenal fan Carl Jenkinson has revealed that beating rivals Tottenham 5-2 at the Emirates Stadium last season was the highlight of his first year with the club.

The defender has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the footballing ranks as he went from a loan spell at non-league side Eastbourne Borough to Arsenal via a short spell with Charlton Athletic.

An injury to Bacary Sagna saw Jenkinson handed his first-team debut quicker than expected last year as the 20-year-old was quickly introduced to the highs and lows of top-flight football.

“Old Trafford, when Arsenal lost 8-2 against Manchester United, was a difficult day for me, and a difficult day for the club. It wasn’t nice but I felt like I learnt a lot from that game.

“There were plenty of highs too. The one that sticks in my head is at home to Spurs, beating them on our home turf. As a Gooner that was something special. I only played 20 odd minutes but to be a part of that was an amazing feeling.”

Having played his part in three consecutive clean sheets so far this term, Jenkinson admitted that he has finally settled into his new surroundings.

“I think it’s only natural that the longer you’re at a club, the more at home you feel. Coming here last year I felt a bit blown away with everything.

“This year I’ve come back and feel like one of the boys.”