John Jensen: Why Arsenal weren’t boring, THAT bung, Venky’s & more

Arsenal have had more talented players than John Jensen, but they have not had many who worked as hard or were as popular with supporters.

Signed after winning the European Championship with Denmark in 1992, Jensen was intended to replace David Rocastle, who had been sold to Division One champions Leeds United. He was the club’s second choice, behind Crystal Palace’s Geoff Thomas.

Jensen had scored the winner as Denmark had stunned Europe by beating Germany in the final of Euro ‘92, and while he didn’t continue that goalscoring form in England, Jensen certainly became a cult hero in north London.

Supporters at Highbury loved his energy and passion, and turned the quest for an elusive ‘Faxe’ goal into a collective mission.

“Firstly I have to say that it was the best four years of my football career,” Jensen says. “Not just on the pitch and in training but off the pitch too. I learned so much in England and it was really enjoyable to be living there.

“But the reason why it was so special is because of the fans. I’d scored in the final in Euro ‘92 against Germany, and I think many Arsenal fans wanted a goalscoring midfielder and thought I was it.

“When I came in I didn’t think people would be expecting me to score 10 goals a season, because I was not that guy at all.”

Despite this, Jensen says he was blown away by the support of Arsenal fans.

Although his failure to score became a cause celebre, supporters at Highbury were well aware of Jensen’s selfless role in George Graham’s team.

He finally scored his first Arsenal goal on his 98th appearance, against QPR on December 31, 1994, home supporters urging him to shoot for the umpteenth time. The Dane’s shot found the top corner of the net, and Highbury erupted.

“If I had