Bullish Jenkinson back to make Gunners impact

Carl Jenkinson made his first Arsenal appearance in 898 days in the EFL Cup last week, and the right-back is determined to build on that and force his way into the team at Emirates Stadium after two years on loan at West Ham.

The 24-year-old was sent away to gain experience by Arsene Wenger after the arrival of Frenchman Mathieu Debuchy and the surprising emergence of Hector Bellerin dropped him down the pecking order.

He became first choice under Sam Allardyce at Upton Park two years ago, but injuries disrupted him last season following the arrival of Slaven Bilic and he struggled to replicate his impressive initial form.

But the former Charlton defender says he has learned from the experience and gone back to Arsenal as a better player and person.

Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images

“I like to think I’ve always been quite a mature lad, but learning how to deal with certain situations in everyday life has helped me mature a lot and I think it’s similar on the pitch,” he said.

“I’m better at making decisions and that comes with experience. I’ve played a lot of football over the last couple of years for someone my age, probably about 50 odd times in the Premier League.

“That was fantastic for me and that experience is invaluable. I think I’ve matured as a player and a person, that’s probably the main thing I can take from the last few years.”