Carl Jenkinson has the opportunity to cause Arsene Wenger a lot of problems but only if he continues to do well in the upcoming weeks.
With news Bacary Sagna will be available for selection in a round three weeks time Wenger will be left with a big decision to make – should he stick by Jenkinson or throw Sagna straight back into the mix?
The 20-year-old wants to remain in the first-team after three impressive displays and seems determined for it to happen.
Sagna recently criticised the club over the sales of Robin van Persie and Alex Song, leaving Wenger telling the press in his pre-match conference:
‘I believe any player or any employee always has to defend the company he works for – and if he is not completely happy with it then he has to go somewhere else.’
He made it clear he has had a chat with Sagna and expects him to sign a new contract.
However, where does Jenkinson fit into Arsene’s plans?
Arsenal remains the only team in the Premier League who haven’t conceded, and I firmly believe this is down to Steve Bould’s influence.
Jenkinson recently told the press of his time at Arsenal so far:
‘Coming here last year I felt a bit blown away with everything.
‘This year I’ve come back and felt like one of the boys.
‘It was different this year and it was nice because you like to feel comfortable and part of things.
‘I’m happy with things at the moment and hopefully we just move on from here.
‘My ambition for my whole career is to play for this football club. I want to be good enough and make my mark here.’
He finished off by saying he won’t be happy until he becomes a regular for The Gunners:
‘I won’t be happy until I’m playing week-in, week-out. That’s what I want to achieve.’
In my opinion, it is too early to replace Sagna.
But I’m glad Jenkinson has stepped up to the plate in the last few weeks and because of this we don’t have to rush Sagna back into action.
There is no doubt in my mind Jenkinson has a bright future ahead of him at our club and I can only hope he is willing to continue striving to prove to everyone that he is capable of achieving his goals at The Emirates.
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I believe Wenger should srick with Jenkinson, he has shown he has improved since returning from injury, because Sagna has had two broken legs over the last couple of seasons, yes we knot it’s not his fault, but he has challenged the manager as to why he sold RvP as well as Song, so would his heart actually be in the team any more.
Until Sagna clearly commits his future to Arsenal Arsene Wenger has no choice. He should definitely keep Jenkinson as his No.1 right back. We cannot have another player disappear over the horizon and leave us weaker. They say once bitten twice shy!
Sagna’s experiance is superior and he is rarely out of position. I think the kid has a bright fture, and he has actually played better this year. He needs to improve his crosses, but his nascent ability shows that once again Wenger has moved for young player with a bright future. Hope it is an Arsenal future
You cannot seriously compare Sagna & Jenkinson.
Jenkinson is a mere novice, he is still learning.
He has been lucky this season against Sunderland & Stoke but was getting roasted by Raheem Sterling against Liverpool. Sagna is a full international has faced Man, U,Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelski, Man City etc etc season in season out.
Jenkinson is one for the FUTURE, he is NOT at the required level yet.
Lets not get carried away boys, calm down and keep it real.
Roasted you say? Are you serious? It was a very healthy battle between them two, and I would think Jenko came out marginally better.
That said, Sterling would give any full back a good run for his money, so con’t fault Carl, even if he had been roasted(which I disagree with anyway).
Jenko only has to prove himself against the big guys and we can do away with Sagna, until then though, Sagna is miles ahead of him.
i like jenkinson, but highly doubt he will become a quality player.
techically, he’s very ordinary. im not sure how much he can improve this as he doesnt seem to have it in him. no glimpses, he’s a bit clumsy and stiff…
but he’s strong, fast and determined. i see him becoming a dependable squad player in the future.
but im sick of seeing arsenal right backs that have no attacking ability. Sagna, solid, but rarely contributes consistently going forward. At least jenkinson appears to be working on that side of his game and willing to make something happen.
he has a point about sterling. good player but sagna wouldnt be taking any of that. jenkinson needs time.
You play the best person in the position – Time for Arsenal to become more adult. Both are still on the pay role.
As far as I have seen the youngsters are hungrier for it and would play passionately even with small team e.g. Stoke or so, while the established players would give their best performances when play big teams i.e. United or so. Therefore, I would stick with Jenkinson, who is so proud to play for Arsenal (and everyone should be) and would give 100 % in every game. If a player thinks is bigger than his club should go, no questions asked! Arsenal is way bigger than the likes of Van Persie, Song or Sagna!
Wenger has an embarrassment of riches at right back and will know what to do.
There can be little doubt that in Jenkinson, Arsenal have a legend in the making. Whether Sagna, on his return, with his experience, will be the better choice is a decision for the Manager.
If the man in possession is playing well and the team are winning do jot tinker with your defence or your goalkeeper. likewise i wouldnt drop arteta for coquelin or frimpong. however we are now into the 2 or 3 matches in week period which means rotation is key. i would ease sagna wilshire and rosicky back in with a few sub appearances then 1 start in 3 increasing to 2 in 3 eventually. during this period your defensive unit needs to be as stable as can be and i mean all 6 defensive positions. certainly no more than 2 changes per match for the 6 positions. for the 4 offensive positions regular rotation is required
Dont change anything untill we loose a game no rotation when i played football at school you did not get into a winning team untill the person in your position was playing badly or made mistakes.
Problem with wenger is he shows loyalty to certain players but he must be realizing these players show no loyalty when it comes to renewing there contract so untill jenkinson really makes bad mistakes i think he should stay very important you dont change around your defence and play your best player let the players returning from injury play a while in reserves to prove fitness not come straight back into 1st team Jenks has done a good job
no
still a bit of a disaster-waiting-to-happen. for example, sometimes instead of going back to the keeper, he will pass the ball long across the goals. very dangerous and shows his immaturity.
dont get me wrong, i like him and see potential. but he’s still learning and sagna is an experienced rock.