Carl Jenkinson says Arsenal should be proud of how they responsed to their defeat to Aston Villa - a loss the players took personally.

Arsene Wenger's side got off to a shaky start in the Premier League last weekend but have since shown their true colours with back-to-back wins at Fenerbahce and Fulham.

Jenkinson impressed at right back in both victories and he says the squad's confidence levels have soared in the past week.

"I think so," he said. "The last two games we've put in good team performances all over the pitch.

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"Everyone has done well and everyone has done their job. Defensively we've only conceded one goal and we've scored six so I think that speaks for itself.

"Of course after the first game, everyone was down and I think it was important that we responded quickly and we did that against Fenerbahce. I think the last couple of games have given everyone that extra confidence that you need. Hopefully we can go on a good, strong run now."

Jenkinson admits that the opening-day loss at Emirates Stadium hurt the players as well as the fans.

"Of course," he said. "When you're playing for Arsenal, you don't want to lose any game and you're not expected to [lose] so to lose the first game at home was very tough on everyone.

"I think everyone took it a bit personally and looked at themselves and thought 'that isn't good enough'. We've gone out since and I think in the last two games we've performed exceptionally.

"Everyone's lifted their game, which was important, and we've got to continue to do that if we're going to be successful this season."