Carroll targets more goals

Carroll targets more goals

Published Nov. 26, 2012 1:15 p.m. ET

Shakhtar Donetsk president Rinat Akhmetov has criticised his players' attitude ahead of Luiz Adriano's appearance in front of a UEFA disciplinary panel for his controversial Champions League goal.

The Brazilian striker will appear in front of the European game's governing body tomorrow after breaking protocol to score against Nordsjaelland in last week's 5-2 victory.

Shakhtar midfielder Willian attempted to give the hosts possession of the ball following a break for injury, but Adriano decided to round the goalkeeper to score instead.

It then appeared the Ukrainian side were prepared to allow a goal to be scored to cancel out Adriano's strike, only for Taras Stepanenko to intervene and make a challenge.

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In a statement released by Shakhtar today, Akhmetov said: "As the president of FC Shakhtar, I would like to make it clear publicly that everyone associated with our club is deeply disappointed with the incident which occurred during the Champions League match with FC Nordsjaelland on Tuesday, November 20.

"As a club, we strongly believe that fair play is a fundamental part of the game, and such an incident is clearly unacceptable for representatives of Shakhtar Donetsk.

"I have personally spoken to the players about their responsibilities as role models for young fans of Shakhtar, and of football as a whole, and to ensure that nothing of this sort ever happens again.

"We will accept and abide by UEFA's decision in regard to disciplinary action against the player."

Adriano faces a charge of violating the principles of conduct set out in UEFA's disciplinary regulations and will appear in the Swiss city of Nyon on Tuesday.

Article 5 of the European governing body's code dictates that: "Member associations, clubs, as well as their players, officials and members shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship."

Adriano finished the match with a hat-trick as Shakhtar booked their place in the knock-out stages of the Champions League.

The Spaniard completed a stunning treble in stoppage time as Latics claimed a dramatic 3-2 Premier League win over Reading at the DW Stadium.

But Gomez, who had been making his first league start in two months, was jeered by a number of his own supporters following some poor touches early in the match.

The frustration stemmed from the 27-year-old's previous indifferent form but Martinez feels they chose the wrong time to express it.

Martinez, who signed the player from former club Swansea in 2009, said: "Jordi divides opinions because he represents a style of football.

"It is not just the way he is as a footballer, it is the style he represents.

"I was disappointed on Saturday, a little sector of the crowd couldn't wait until the final whistle to look back on his performance and then assess it.

"I was so proud of the manner Jordi reacted to whatever was going on. He showed an incredible mental strength.

"He was a great example to any youngster at the ground wanting to arrive into the first team.

"Jordi's performance and his handling of the occasion was a real example of how to be a professional footballer.

"The dressing room was very proud. You don't want players who don't have the warmth from the crowd.

"All he did is do everything he could to win the points for Wigan Athletic and I think a sector of the crowd should realise that."

Gomez's hat-trick was only the third by a Wigan player in the top flight after Marcus Bent and Henri Camara. Fernando Torres is the only other Spaniard to have hit a treble in the Premier League.

The result should put Wigan in good heart for Wednesday's visit of Manchester City but they continue to be hampered by injuries.

Defender Ivan Ramis and forward Shaun Maloney were both forced off at the weekend with hamstring and groin injuries respectively.

That saw them join Gary Caldwell (hamstring) and long-term casualties Antolin Alcaraz, Albert Crusat, Ben Watson and Ryo Miyaichi in the treatment room. Martinez said: "You don't want to have injuries and that is the weakest we have been but I was pleased with the reaction we had - focus and determination and that mature side on the pitch, not accepting any negative against us.

"We had some injuries and picked up another two along the way.

"Ivan Ramis - we are going to assess him over the next two days and it will be difficult for him to make the squad for Wednesday.

"Shaun Maloney was a lot easier yesterday and I feel he probably has a chance to be available for Wednesday.

"We will also assess Gary Caldwell.

"This is November. It is always a risky month in terms of injuries because of the change of weather and the fatigue of certain players after working for the first third of the competition.

"We have been unfortunate with many accidents resulting in injuries."

Carroll headed home Joey O'Brien's cross in Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Tottenham to end his 1,062-minute Premier League goal drought.

The ?35million man had been brought in on loan to provide the firepower for the Hammers, but manager Sam Allardyce has instead had to rely on Kevin Nolan for his goals this season.

Carroll was relieved to finally get off the mark for his new club and now hopes he can repeat the feat against top-flight heavyweights Manchester United and Chelsea on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.

"It was about time, to be honest," Carroll said. "I'm just grateful to have got off the mark and hopefully there will be more to come this week.

"I think I've put myself about and been involved in our goals in previous matches. "I think I've been doing well so it was about time one went in.

"It was a great ball in by Joey O'Brien and I just had to get up and head it across the keeper. That's what I did and thankfully it went in."

Despite Carroll's failure to find the net, West Ham have exceeded all expectations so far this season and currently sit eighth in the table.

But they were easily outclassed by a rampant Spurs side, who coasted to victory thanks to a Gareth Bale strike and a brace from former Hammer Jermain Defoe.

Defoe was allowed to open the scoring in a marvellous solo effort that saw him go unchallenged from near the half-way line. West Ham's defence then backed off Clint Dempsey, which allowed him to tee up Bale for Spurs' second.

Defoe wrapped up the win by tapping home into an empty net following a swift counter-attack that started after West Ham were dispossessed on the halfway line.

Carroll was unhappy with how his team wilted but insisted they should not dwell too much on the defeat.

"It was disappointing as we made mistakes for all three of their goals, really," Carroll told the club's website. "We should have done better, but they have taken their chances and obviously beat us.

"We have got a tough week with Manchester United and then Chelsea and Liverpool coming up. It'll be tough so we just have to put this behind us now and focus on Wednesday.

"This game is all gone now so we're going to have to concentrate 100% on Wednesday, which is going to be another tough game."

Defender James Tomkins echoed Carroll's sentiments, adding: "We didn't play at our best but we need to put it behind us quite quickly because we have another big game at Manchester United in a couple of days' time and the games are coming thick and fast.

"We don't need to dwell on the result because we have the points on the board and it's vital we go to Old Trafford with our confidence intact.

"We have to make sure we go to Manchester United 100% mentally."

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