Chelsea claims number of penalties awarded in PL this season 'abnormally low'

The number of penalties that have been awarded in the Premier League this season seem to be 'abnormally low' compared to other years, according to current leaders Chelsea.

In an article on the club's website it has been stated that Jose Mourinho's side has 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 Queens Park Rangers in November.

Mourinho was fined in January for claims of a campaign to influence refereeing decisions against Chelsea, the BBC reported.

The article, titled 'Penalty Puzzle', stated the number of penalties Chelsea received in the Premier League in the last six seasons. Last season they were awarded seven.

The article stated that this season's tally of two unquestionably bucks the recent trend, yet their position as clear league leaders and second-highest scorers suggests that Chelsea can't be labeled anything other than an attacking side, spending plenty of time in the opposition box.

The article further says that it could, of course, be that when teams have played the league leaders they have been particularly careful inside their own area, adding that they 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, which 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 and a claim for handball at Tottenham in a 5-3 defeat in January and suggested fouls on Ivanovic and John Terry in a 1-1 draw at Manchester United last October, the report added.