GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Carl Jenkinson of Melbourne City celebrates his goal wirth team mates during the round 11 A-League match between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City at Central Coast Stadium, on January 23, 2022, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

Carl Jenkinson scores on debut for Melbourne City FC

Jan 23, 2022

Carl Jenkinson signed for Melbourne City FC this week and scored a goal on his debut!

That’s right, the Arsenal fan who lived all our dreams, is now down under scoring on his debut to become an instant hit in Melbourne.

Although the move is only a loan deal, after just over two years with Nottingham Forest, Jenko might have found his new home.

Picking up a 7.3 for his debut performance, Jenkinson came off the bench after 68 minutes and found the back of the net with just six minutes remaining to make the score 3-1 against the Central Coast Mariners.

Former Arsenal full-back Carl Jenkinson scored on debut for Melbourne City.

His first top-flight goal since Slaven Bilic’s West Ham (where he was on loan) beat Mike Jedinak and Crystal Palace 3-1 in October 2015.#ALeagues pic.twitter.com/VNZJSqiHCp

— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) January 23, 2022

Speaking after his loan was announced, Jenkinson said, “I’m excited to be joining a Club that are the current Champions of Australia.

GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 23: Carl Jenkinson of Melbourne City is contested by Beni Nkololo during the round 11 A-League match between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City at Central Coast Stadium, on January 23, 2022, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images) — GOSFORD, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 23: Carl Jenkinson of Melbourne City is contested by Beni Nkololo during the round 11 A-League match between Central Coast Mariners and Melbourne City at Central Coast Stadium, on January 23, 2022, in Gosford, Australia. (Photo by Ashley Feder/Getty Images)

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about both Melbourne as a beautiful city, the professionalism of the Club and the quality of the league.

“I’m looking forward to meeting Patrick and all of the boys in person, learning the team’s style of play and meeting the fans. I can’t wait to get involved.”

Jenkinson played 70 times for Arsenal, more than he’s managed for any other club. He scored one goal during his eight years at Arsenal, that also included loan spells with West Ham and Birmingham before he moved to Forest for just under £2m in 2019.

Still only 29, Jenkinson was, surprisingly, the last of the British core to depart Arsenal.

Melbourne City FC are part of the City Football Group and were founded in 2009.