I’m not sure who originated the “Corporal” thing with Carl Jenkinson, but it stuck very quickly.
If you want to be picky you could argue that he should probably have started as Private Jenkinson (and there was certainly something about his fresh-faced earnestness when he arrived at Arsenal that called to mind Private Pike from Dad’s Army) but, somehow, “Corporal Jenkinson” sounded right.
He had had only a relatively brief spell of first team action at Charlton Athletic before crossing the Thames to join us.
And his arrival at the start of last season could not have come at a worse time, as we got off to our least successful start since dandan and Gn5 were nippers and dinosaurs roamed the earth.
Jenks’s baptism of fire included that awful 8-2 thrashing at the North Surrey Stadium.
Not much was expected of him when he was thrown into some of those early games due to one injury crisis or another but, nevertheless, The Corporal made a good impression.
He showed plenty of inexperience, but also clearly had desire and a good engine. He also displayed a natural crossing ability, wrapping that right foot round the ball in a way that reminded me of David Beckham.
Best of all, Carl was a proper Gooner: a lifelong Arsenal supporter who had suddenly been given the chance to live the dream.
Fast forward to today, and it’s time to take stock of how the young fullback is doing in this, his second season at The Home Of Football. The question is all the more pertinent given that rumours about Bacary Sagna’s future at Arsenal refuse to go away.
In general last season I was impressed with Jenks and I recall, fairly early on, predicting that he would become the regular right back for both Arsenal and England.
In the early part of this season, however, a few of his outings were less convincing, inevitably leading some Arsenal supporters to write him off as another example of Arsene Wenger’s lost touch in the transfer market. Of course these are the sort of supporters who like to accentuate the negative and eliminate the positive. (If you gave them a free twenty quid note they’d complain about it being crumpled).
But young players can – and must – be excused the occasional dip in form (just look at Oxlade-Chamberlain this year, who is at last emerging from his own mini slump).
And the one thing no-one could ever fault with The Corporal was his effort and honesty.
Now, back in the first team ahead of Sagna, he has just had two exceptionally good games.
I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves, but his performances against Swansea at the weekend and, particularly, against Bayern Munich in midweek, were fantastically encouraging.
One particular moment stood out against the Munchens. Bayern were on a fast break; the odious little Arjen Robben was tearing at full pelt down what used to be called the inside left channel; another sausage-eater was overlapping on Robben’s outside (sorry, I can’t remember which one); and our defence was stretched because our centre halves were still making their way back from our broken attack.
It was exactly the sort of break that has resulted in us conceding a goal so many times this season. Worse, for all Robben’s narcissistic annoyingness, he is (a) very, very fast (b) a very good dribbler and (c) a dangerous finisher.
But this time we had Carl Jenkinson in his way. Carl kept pace with the Dutch flyer, matching him pace for pace, but also used his position and body shape to not only force Robben wide, but also to limit the threat of the overlapping Bayern player. It gave time for the rest of the defence to reorganize and the threat was snuffed out. It was a piece of really classy defending and Gary Neville (who, despite having been a filthy Manc, was one of the top right backs of the last 15 years) rightly singled out Jenkinson for praise for it.
I have been (and continue to be) a big fan of Bacary Sagna, but I suspect it was the sort of breakaway that would have found him wanting. Sadly for him, two successive fractures in the same leg seem to have taken a yard off his pace and Robben would probably have exploited that weakness.
Aside from that moment, Jenkinson’s all round play was excellent in Munich –against what is generally agreed to be one of the best three or four teams in Europe.
He continued that form against Swansea at the Liberty Stadium. I can recall one silly pass across his own box but, that apart, his play was of the highest order both defensively and offensively.
Two swallows don’t make a summer and two good performances at right back don’t make a Pat Rice. But Jenkinson is showing that Arsene Wenger can still find a diamond in the rough and that, if Sagna does leave this summer, we have a great option ready and waiting.
In fact, late in the season as it is, Wenger may finally have stumbled across his best defensive line-up, comprising Fabianski in goal, The Corporal and Monreal at fullback and Koscielny and Mertesacker in the middle.
All of which begs the question… is it time that The Corporal got that extra stripe? Is it time to say: “take a bow, Sergeant Jenkinson?”
What do you think?
RockyLives
Arsenal News 24/7
arsenalarsenal.net 
Totally agree with your analysis, but I suggest you keep that third stripe in the box; if only to afford yourself the opportunity – when Jenks is pinging in those Bekhamesque crosses leading to goals galore (we can all dream) – to write the obvious headline: ‘Corporal Punishment’ !
Splendid start to the International Doldrums Rocky. Bravissimo.
Regarding criticism of Arsene and some of recent signings, I’d say there is some justification, but then again what manager doesn’t make mistakes here. Hindsight and whatnot spring to mind.
Now, Jenks.
Not only was he at Charlton, but he wasn’t even a must-start player there. Indeed he was on loan to Eastbourne for part of his last season.
So, how the heck in the name of anything that’s Holy, does any PL Manager look at an average player at Charlton, an above average player at Eastbourne, and think: “Yip, that lad has got what it takes to make an International Right Back. No doubt at all”.
We love you Fulham, we do. We love you Fulham, we do. We love you Fulham, we do. Oh Fulham we love you….but only for one day! 😀
‘I’m not sure who originated the “Corporal” thing with Carl Jenkinson, but it stuck very quickly.’
I think it was coined by The Tuesday Club early in the season.
Just thinking about Jenks’ work rate and commitment, does make it clear the effect of some proper DNA. Jack ditto.
As these two get older, I’m sure their club loyalty will have a massive knock on effect amongst the squad in
squad in general
Cheers A/S
I wondered if the Tuesday Club had originated it. I know they use it a lot.
I forgot to mention that the way Jenks handled Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves after our Munich win was pretty impressive too. We’d just had a good win and all Shreeves wanted to go on about was “eight years without a trophy blah blah blah” but Jenks shut him up good and proper. The boy is becoming a man.
Rocky
Shouldn’t you be bleary eyed, jet lagged and completely off the ball? 🙂
Rasp/Peaches
I’ll do a post for tomorrow, and its going to be a “first” for AA, unless of course you have something better to post from The American 🙂
Thanks Rocky, a well timed post to sing the praises of one of our brightest prospects.
With no disrespect to Bacary, I agree that Jenks should probably now be considered our No.1 RB. He’s got it all, but as you say, his Arsenal heart and commitment to the team are what make him a special player.
Northbank Lew: ‘Corporal punishment’ very good, wish I’d though of that one 🙂
Micky, thanks, we love a bit of MickyMadness and I seem to remember that you do wear baggy trousers 😕
Oi Didit. I am in the process of writing tomorrows post……
RL. Love the sausage-eater line.
IMO you have succumbed to the modern day phenomena of thinking a coupe of days of sunshine is a summer. The Corporal has shown he has all it takes to become a stalwart at Arsenal, possibly even in the Dixon mould, but promotion to Sergeant? Absolutely not.
Jenks has to earn his stripe over a sustained period in the trenches, and even then he may prove to be a water-carrier rather than a leader of men.
Now look here Daddy, the whole thing is that you and Rocky do way more than your fair share, and we all know it, so when I make an effort to step up to, and on to, the plate, I expect you to pipe and slipper it for a while.
Morning Micky
I feel relatively human this morning.
Should be meeting up with OMC later in the week.
Excellent post. However, with respect…
RockyLives : “I don’t want us to get ahead of ourselves…”
a) When Jenkinson stops getting caught out as badly as at home to Swansea (?), when turning back towards his own goal, losing possession (which resulted in a goal and obviously contributed to our defeat)…
b) When Jenkinson stops getting two stupid yellow cards for two naive tackles (= a red card)…
c) When Jenkinson stops passing the ball across his own box, which schoolboys are taught not to do by the sports teacher…
…that’s the time to reassess the young man.
All defenders (all players) make mistakes. Sagna made an identical pass across his box, which resulted in a goal. The mistakes I’m highlighting are schoolboy errors, which shouldn’t happen even at Charlton or Eastbourne.
Or regarding my own playing history, even at ‘The Buck and Bell’, ‘The Dog and Gun’, ‘The Prince Of Wales’ or ‘John Wright Athletic’ 🙂
I’m actually in agreement with all points you’ve made and the general sentiment, but Rocky, as regards Jenkinson, you’re “getting ahead of yourself”.
Respectfully, Big Al.
Pretty sure Tuesday club started it, although as they’ve frequently mentioned since Jenks has to put in more of the same before he can rise above corporal. He’s done very well so far and he’s a player I want to do really well. You can always see the passion on his face when we score, or the hurt he feels when we mess up.
If Jenks keeps developing the way he is, he’s well on his way to becoming a top class full back, perhaps dare I say it, our Gary Neville? Wouldn’t be the worst thing to aspire to for young Jenks. For all Neville’s dislikeable qualities he too had a great engine, good crossing ability, good tackling ability, was very tenacious and was undoubtedly a great right back for many years. I reckon Jenks is quicker than Neville ever was though.
I get the feeling that Jenks is someone who as his confidence increases will become a more assertive and aggressive player. Maybe he could be a dark horse for club captain in a couple of years. After all, our last captain from Essex who was a defender too, did pretty well for the Arsenal didn’t he? 🙂
Rocky,
Good news, and I hope OMC is not such a miserable git away from The Arsenal 🙂
Rasp,
I get the Madness/baggy trousers ref, but do I? They may not be Italian Waiter tight, but baggy?
Right, off to talk to dullards.
Great stuff Rocky
What a great find Jenks is. My homo eroticness for this guy grows by the day.
In a couple of yeasr i fully expect Jenks, Jack, Gibbs, Theo, and Ox all to be regulars in the Arsenal and England teams.
During this period we should add some world class talent to the squad. In 24 monts time we will be thrashing everyone out of sight. In fact, its going to get embarasing to see how good we are.
I think we will evolve a bit like that great AC Milan team of the eighties and take both the Prem and Champions league by storm.
3 European cups and 5 titles in the next 10 years, Vey nice, very nice indeed.
I think it’s too early to promote Jenkinson to first choice right back, equally it’s too early to write off Bacary Sagna.
Big Al has a point, Jenks needs to cut out some of the howlers before taking over from Sagna, there’s nothing to say that he wont be an excellent defender in the future but he does need a little more time.
On the other side of the pitch, Gibbs has a few “injury issues” which need resolving, until they are Nacho Monreal looks an exciting prospect who has settled into the Premiership remarkably well and could well make the position his own.
What makes me happy with the Corp, was mentioned in the post, Robben got the ball and ran…… normally this would make me very afraid, but when I saw Jenko I had confidence that he would stop robben or robben would ave to do something special to get past.
Nice Post, Rocky, and how could anyone disagree with you? 🙂
I say that through gritted teeth, because we have already had the ‘where did the title ‘Corporal’, which has been appended to master Jenks, originate from?”
At the time, leaving aside my customary humility, I claimed credit for the concoction as one of my very own, first used early last season.
Clearly that did not register, and now a little claim jumping is being proposed and other nefarious claims are being propounded!
He will always be Corp Jenks to me, as “Sergeant” or “Cap’n” do not fit the bill, or his beak.
I will see you in Court!!
Redders 🙂
I am delighted to know that the “Corporal” tag originated right here on AA (even if it has since been snaffled by others).
I had a similar experience with the same bunch (the Tuesday Club) when I started describing Song on here as “Songinho” (it was during his brief phase of dribbling past three players and setting up goals for RVP). Sure enough, the TC started referring to him by the same moniker.
I suppose we should be flattered that they deign to read our humble missives.
Afternoon all, thank you Mr Rock, you time zone defying person you, for opening up the first day of the long interlull with a feelgood post about Jenko.
I’d like us gooners not to put too much pressure on him and while I prefer his playing style(and recent performances) to Sagna, Jenko still has much to learn off The Bac.
Redders, I sense your cohorts, Sue, Grabbit & Runne, will be after the Tuesday club very soon, ha ha.
And Mr Syrup – 3 European Cups and 5 titles in the next decade ?
You doomer !
What about Sagna? Probably his most noteworthy performance this season was as central defender vs. Sunderland? I could see signing Bac to an extension for the purpose of being the co-first choice right back and auxiliary (for cup matches and emergency) central defender. But two things point against it: one, Bac has his pride and would only want to be viewed as clearly first choice, and two, AW has not been the master of squad rotation so the arrangement would never work.
Any thoughts?
Didit. Thank you for the kind offer which I accept with alacrity.
Mine can go Weds or later.
Who is next up for the mighty Arsenal? Reading at home, WBA away. Both winnable.
Bayonne. I think Bac will remain as first choice RB next season. As you say he looks very good at CB but the problem is that CB is a very specialised position and requires a different skill set to a FB.
That said, Kolo made the change so why not Bacary?
Rocky,
I was hoping a few weeks ago to be able to entice you with a visit to the Groucho club on your next visit to the UK (now really), alas things are not going as well as hoped, so I have to put that on the back burner. Maybe next time? 😦
I am not a member, but I know a wonderful show bizzie man who is, darlink.
I have always enjoyed it there, and, although I probably look ludicrous trying to take surreptitious glances at the luvvie denizens, they take it in good part and tend to ignore me.
Actually, saying that, how dare they ignore me?
Anyway, as Micky tells me that you definitely have luvvie tendencies yourself, you are probably already a member!! 🙂
Do tell! 😀
That’s a shame Redders. Although I still haven’t fully recovered from New York 🙂
I know the Groucho, but I’m not a member. It has a nice atmosphere but, as you say, lots of luvvies!
Rock, I suppose I am especially fond of it as I have had to fork out Dollar zero, for grub and drink – my friend has a wonderful tab!! 😀
The last that I saw of you in NYC, you were doing a rumba on a taxi roof wearing only your gee string, with Trixie and Fluffy-Belle.
I only ran because the cop said I had to take off my Yankees bra, and you know what the NYPD boys are like!! 😛
Yes, but pinching the poor copper’s helmet was definitely a step too far.
I’m surprised they let you out of the country after that.
Now, Rock a diddlee, everyone knows that NY cops don’t wear helmets, so now all the AAers can work out what I was pinching, and you promised faithfully not to let on!! 😦
Rumours abound that Jack will be out for, at least, another 6 weeks.
I’d seen those rumours too Redders, apparently it’s not just the ankle “that was not injured last time” as the club said, but both ankles. However I’ll hold fire until it’s officially announced he’s out for more than the 3 weeks we’ve been told so far.
CharyB,
I meant to say to you, that following a trip to Italy a couple of years ago, influenced by you, I asked for a Peroni and was met with blank incomprehension.
Peroni? You want Peroni? what is this?
Spotting a bottle I pointed it out, and the guy said “Ah, you want Nastro Azzurro?” Now the incomprehension was mine to own.
But sure enough the label had Nastro etc on it, in large print, but in small lettering lower down, it did indeed mention Peroni.
Anyway, you have probably forgotten, but I reported this strange fact to you, at the time.
Now I can report, that watching an Italian game, there was a guy wearing a baseball cap with PERONI on it, writ large!!
You have obviously won them over, and they are now advertizing it ‘correctly’ over there! 🙂
Yes, that does ring a bell Redders – when you drink it in pint glasses, as you do, the glass has Nastro Azzuro in large letters embossed on the side, still gl ad ot see they’ve got the right branding now he he.
So did you like what they served you ? Obviously they are best tasted on a bench in Blackstock road on match days but somewhere like a flash bar in Italy, which is where you probably were, would be acceptable too.
Chin-chin !
Ah, the thought of a chilled Nastro Azzurri on a hot summer’s day….bliss,
Can anyone remember a longer winter than this? It has been minus up here everyday (apart from one teaser) since mid- November.
2 weeks…… aaargh
Raddy, you do live in the Baltic Sea!
CharyB,
I had previously dismissed Peroni, by whatever name, as a soapy tasting cheap beer, which was probably because the one I mentioned above was unpleasantly warmish.
Then later at my hotel over looking a stunning lakeside view, I had a beautiful ice cold lager, which I only found out after the event was a Peroni Nastro Azzurro and I really liked it.
It had more of a rough bite than most American beers, but had a nice smell (important to me) but if I was forced to choose, I would still go for a crisp, cold German lager bier every time. 🙂
Jenks is just another success story for Wenger and his fantastic 5 British lads recently signed to contract renewals and does promise a Stirling future (pardon the pun). It is way too soon to count our chickens….they are still in the process of hatching…and we may get some ugly ducklings out of that lot yet. That said, Walcott, the OX, Jenks, Ramsey and Wilshere, while not being perfect Chippendales…meet all the criteria for Fantastic 5 Footballers:
1) Their average age is 21,
2) They are true dyed-in-the-wool Arsenal fans,
3) They are physically powerful young men (average of 1.76m in height, average weight of 71kg, pacey lot, tough tacklers, comeback kings, etc.)
4) 3 of them have known serious injuries, terrible career-ending fouls, and the wrath of the PGMOL on occasion, so are fired in the EPL furnace and hardened in the Arsenal kiln.
5) They have, with the exception of Ramsey who is Welsh, all played for England and will do so again. Ramsey played for team Great Britain so that almost counts.
6) They all make the Arsenal jersey a little more attractive when they wear it…and they are obviously proud to wear it, in the good and the bad times.
7) Four have very English sounding names and apparently Jenkinson will change his name to Jennings if AW requires it.
While Jack Wilshere is the runt of this particular litter, he certainly has the smarts and skill set to become an Arsenal legend, along with the rest of them, provided he overcomes the curse of Arsenal (long-term injuries).
WeeDonald.
Let`s not forget Gibbs.
Flash P#nces!
Chilled Nastro Azzurri ? Effin Peroni ?
Wot’s that then when it’s at home?
I drink LEO.
60 baht a bottle = 90 pence-a quid.
Cold.
Whilst watching hot birds wearing very little.
Friendly hot birds.
VERY friendly !
And I bet you lot can’t even spell pretencious…
Is that pretentious then Big Al? 😀
When the ‘ell do we get an invite then, Biggy? 🙂
26. Thanks to Didit I have been down to the local fishmonger and bought some smoked seal flipper for dinner. I am bringing it to room temp and serving it with mash and onion rings.
Will report back tomorrow
I intentionally left Gibbs out as he is not, in my humble opinion, a recent purchase, but he checks all the boxes, so why not include him as well! that makes the Fantastic Six, but that doesn’t sound right so let’s call it the Super Six?
It’s whatever I say it is, Red Arse…
And I’ll bet you wouldn’t catch Knuckles standing in a spit ‘n’ sawdust off the Swansea High Street sipping that girlie Nastro Azzurri and Peroni.
Am I right Sheep?
Smoked seal flipper? Excellent. The only time I ate seal meat was in Canada, at an Innuit party held to advertise the delights of the Arctic lifestyle to the wusses living near the 49th parallel. Strong flavour but I liked it. Wasn’t flipper though. Hope you enjoy it!
Big Raddy. CharyB, Red Arse.
aka
Robert Palmer, Bryan Ferry, Barry Manilow.
Lounge Lizards.
Afternoon all catching up on post great job done today I enjoyed reading it.
Jenks is one for the future I’m sure I read he played for Finland as well u may be wrong.
I see we have two posts covered for this week I can drop one in like a 9 ball some time this week.
Knuckles is a proper man his fav tipple is STRONGBOW I’m playing golf with him thurs he can hit a ball so far it’s amazing
Much love
Sheep Hagger ™
I’m in with the ‘in-crowd’
I go where the ‘in-crowd’ go…
What’s wrong wid by doze, Big El?
I’m in with incrowd,
I go where the in go crow …
Name that band foxy music ,
Red Arse 🙂
Alas and alack,it’s time to head back, good night, sayonara or if that does not please;
Basque Gabon
Belarusian Дабранач (Dabranach)
Bengali শুভরাত্রি। (shubhoratri)
Bosnian Laku noć
Breton Noz vat
Bulgarian Лека нощ (Leka nošt)
Catalan Bona nit
Chechen Буьйса дика хуьлда хьан
Cherokee ᎣᏍᏓᏑᏃᎡ (Osdasunoe)
Chinese
(Cantonese) 早抖 (jóutáu)
Chinese
(Mandarin) 晚安 (wǎnān)
Chinese
(Taiwanese) 暗安 (àm-an) / 晚安 (bóan-an)
Cimbrian An guuta nacht
Cornish Nos dha, Noze daa tha whye, Ternestatha
What d’ya mean I got that from Googlie?
In for me – you’ve all got it infamy!!
Ha the American u can’t speak welsh shame on you .
Poppeth ia iawn ,bora da
Bollocky, dai ewy sheeplee!! 😦
That’s bad English trying to type welsh lol
Redders @5.28 – I always thought Peroni was very smooth, but that could be as I’m used to the rough stuff – e.g. that russian beer called Zighuli, served in a triple thick milk bottle shaped glass type bottle.
I have fond memories of knocking back bottles of the stuff in the Trading Post in Bexleyheath back in the late 80’s.
Asa kid in the valleys we was happy with a flagon of Woodpecker
Now kids do drugs in the valleys ,
Times change
Nice write up Corky.
When Bac was having ‘that spell’, Wonderman and I wondered what Jenks had to do get a run out.
Fast forward to the FAC vs Brighton, and he really wasn’t good that day, and I was more than a little disappointed.
in the last two games he really seems to have found his mojo, and I pray that he kicks on from here. At worst he’s good back up and could prob cover at CB as well.
It really would be great to see him forge a long and glorious career with the club of his boyhood dreams…not just for his sake, but also for mine and millions of other Arse fans worldwide.
Best of luck to the Corporal
Aaaaahhhh….little baby GiE in the sidebar 🙂
I think the most important thing about Jenkinson is his athleticism, when Arsene first came to the club his players were as much about strength, pace and size as they were about skill and technique. Henry, Anelka, Vieira, Petit, Campbell, Toure etc.
We probably went too much the other way and started buying smaller players with technique above all else. I think now we are seeing Arsene return to his early successes yes we can have the likes of Jack and Santi in midfield, but they must be surrounded by strong and powerful players who can also pass. Jenkinson fits the bill, as do Ox, Ramsey and Gibbs to a lesser extent. Giroud is definitely big and powerful, not so much on the pace. A few more signings like Jenkinson to conplement our ball wizards and we will be well on the way.
Nice post Rocky, for me the errors will evaporate as he continues to play and earn experience, he has a grand total of 35 appearances for us, that’s half a season by today’s standards he has a long way to go in the game judging by his early performances.
Excellent, Rocky.
All hail the Jenks.
Love the BFG’s passion, too.
Morning All,
BFG looks scary.
Food report: Smoked seal flipper keeps you awake at night.
Motning all,
Raddy, Should never swallow a flipper whole. Beginners mistake.
Chas,
How long before you nes properly?
nest
Morning all….heard a lot of Spuds yesterday on the radio, “it’s time to stick behind the team”, “we can make it” etc etc, I hear squeaks from N17.
GiE @12:44
Bang on, in my opinion. Superb comment.
Arsene appears to me to be stuck between the two styles (Barca little ‘uns, and the old all conquering power of the early Arsene sides).
I think he’s trying to mix the two, but some players fall into neither category.
The biggest culprit in this respect: Podolski.
GiE
I was motoring hither and thiter yesterday, but only listened t about 15 mins of presumably he sam prog. All I heard was: “should have bought a striker”, “AVB has lost the plot”, “one man team”
Had to switch chanels as I have enough to do while driving without being blinded by tears of laughter.
Last thing, I did send a post in, so fear not ‘Err on high 🙂
Morning all
Thanks Micky just going to find the post 😉
Peaches
The one I sent last night, not the one from friday
Such profligacy, Micky, and good morning to you!! 🙂
Understood 🙂
Morning American,
Already working on the next two posts 🙂
I intend to firmly embed myself in third place behind the out-of-sight-post-leaders Rocky and Raddy, and there is a good reason.
I will be able to confidently turn down any requests for a match report. For ever. Not such a silly plan, eh?
Cunning as a stoat, Mickledemius!! 🙂
Sly Fox is what me is 🙂
Mickledemius sounds like a religious holiday from the Middle Ages 🙂
Morning peoples. It’s nice to be blogging in an English morning (when normally I am all a-snooze in Canadia).
Off to worky conferency thingy.
Back later to read a no-doubt splendid Mickledemius offering.
Morning again
There’s a New Post …………………..