Page 44. South East Times. Issue 65
Premier League: Chelsea say low penalty count
is ‘abnormal’
Chelsea say the number of penalties they
have been awarded in the Premier
League this season seems “abnormally
low” compared to other years.
An article on the club’s website
points out Jose Mourinho’s side have
been awarded two so far, while Arsenal
and Manchester City have had seven
each.
Chelsea’s two were in home wins
against Arsenal in October and QPR in
November.
Mourinho was fined in January for
claims of a campaign to influence
refereeing decisions against Chelsea.
The article, titled ‘Penalty Puzzle’, gives
the number of penalties Chelsea have
received in the Premier League in the last
six seasons.
Last season they were awarded seven.
“So this season’s tally of two
unquestionably bucks the recent trend,
yet our position as clear league leaders
and second-highest scorers suggests we
can’t be labelled anything other than an
attacking side, spending plenty of time in
the opposition box,” the article says.
Chelsea paying the
penalty?
2014/15
2 1st (currently)
2013/14
7 3rd
2012/13
11 3rd
2011/12
5 6th
2010/11
8 2nd
2009/10
12 1st
“Of course, it
could be that when
teams have played
the league leaders
they have been
particularly careful
inside their own area. We all have plenty
of recollections suggesting this is not the
case, however.”
The article also highlights incidents
during the season where it says Chelsea
should have been awarded penalties.
These include: A challenge on Branislav
Ivanovic in last Sunday’s 1-1 draw with
Southampton.
A challenge on Cesc Fabregas, who was
booked, in the return game at St Mary’s,
which also ended 1-1.
A challenge on Diego Costa at Burnley
and a handball appeal against the Clarets
in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last
month.
A claim for handball at Tottenham in a
5-3 defeat in January.
Suggested fouls on Ivanovic and John
Terry in a 1-1 draw at Manchester
United last October.