Arsenal ace Carl Jenkinson mocked after attempted volley at goal against Sporting Lisbon goes BACKWARDS

CARL JENKINSON had waited two years for just this type of split-second moment.

And he blew it - with a volley that went BACKWARDS faster than his career is heading.

Having not played in Europe since 2016, the Arsenal full-back was mocked on social media after his mis-kicked shot spiralled closer to the halfway line than the goal.

Jenkinson, 26, has almost become a cult outcast at the Emirates.

After following up 14 Under-21 caps with a senior England debut in 2012, his career has slalomed downhill, with two loan spells at West Ham and a temporary stint in the Championship with Birmingham last season.

But the Gunners' defensive injuries meant a call-up for their Europa League tie with Sporting Lisbon.

And a loose clearance gave him the chance of the game's only goal, 30 yards out.

He shaped up nicely, swung his right boot eagerly and... sliced the ball almost straight behind him.

Fans reacted by joking as much as groaning.

One said: "This is definitely his last match in an Arsenal shirt. Quote me."

And even harsher comments included the suggestion Arsenal would be better off picking  a "player randomly from the crowd" instead of Jenkinson.

Some supporters called his accidental trick-shot a "no-look pass".

And one reflected: "Hahaha he's living every Arsenal fan's dream. Probably dreads matches where he actually has to play, apart from that just hang with famous footballers and get paid."

So, with Arsenal through to the KO stages, even Jenkinson might be able to smile about the volley that missed by a mile.