Arsenal’s EFL Cup game against Reading will not be remembered by most. A standard 2-0 home win to take the Gunners through to the quarter finals is no more than was expected, and will soon fade into the annals.
But for one man, it was a big occasion. Carl Jenkinson, after a spell on loan with West Ham as well as a period on the sidelines through injury, made his return to the Arsenal team.
He’s always been a Gooner – the bedroom is a giveaway. Is that a Shrewsbury coaster in the corner. Nope, just more Arsenal stuff.
Arsene Wenger confirms in his programme notes that Carl Jenkinson will play tonight. Gooner. pic.twitter.com/PVNgNhggsy
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) October 25, 2016
People were just so happy to see him return to the side. A real fan favourite.
I'm watching Carl Jenkinson play in a live football match for the first time in nearly a year. Buzzing! #AFC #Jenko.
— Alan Alger (@Alan_Alger_) October 25, 2016
That’s probably got something to do with the fact he’s a huge Arsenal fan himself.
Welcome back @carljenkinson!
— Adam Keys (@_AdamKeys) October 25, 2016
A man who is as proud wearing the shirt as any one of us! Come on Arsenal! #afcvrfc #afc pic.twitter.com/ROO3O4MSGk
It’s certainly been a long time since his last appearance for Arsene Wenger’s side.
Carl Jenkinson's last Arsenal appearance was 898 days ago against Norwich in May 2014. pic.twitter.com/7hukDrqCgd
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) October 25, 2016
Jenko's back in the side tonight - 898 days since his last @Arsenal appearance when he did this... pic.twitter.com/4mCOQUnws3
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 25, 2016
There was a lovely feeling of shared happiness for the right back.
I may or may not have gotten emotional and overly excited as I saw @carljenkinson walk out the tunnel as he was about to play for Arsenal 😍😁
— Nat (@NatG_22) October 25, 2016
West Ham showed their support as well.
Good luck to @carljenkinson on his return to action for @Arsenal in this evening 👊 pic.twitter.com/f1Ij0mTW91
— West Ham United (@WestHamUtd) October 25, 2016
The man himself nearly put the cherry on top of the cake with an effort on goal, too. It’s fair to say the Emirates would have enjoyed that one.
He nearly marked the occasion with another@carljenkinson combines with @alexiwobi to force Al-Habsi into a fine stop#AFCvRFC 🔴 0-0 🔵 (7) pic.twitter.com/19X6qwAeru
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) October 25, 2016
This is probably a bit much, however.
Carl Jenkinson reminds me of Javier Zanetti
— D (@Mesut1079) October 25, 2016
You be you, Carl Jenkinson.
