Summary
- An alternative Premier League table without VAR has emerged, highlighting the significant impact of VAR decisions on team standings after the first eight gameweeks.
- VAR controversies in recent games, such as those in Manchester City vs Wolves, present differing opinions among fans and pundits on crucial match-changing calls.
- Despite varying fan reactions, the analysis showcases VAR’s influence and how it can significantly sway match outcomes.
Although the PGMOL said that more than 100 errors were corrected by VAR last season, there are already plenty of talking points involving the technology in this campaign. Let’s take a closer look at the table:
Liverpool Still Top of the Table
The Reds have made a fine start to life under Arne Slot
While Arsenal have been predicted by a supercomputer to land a top three spot come the end of the season, Squawka’s research has shown that the Gunners are right to be sitting third in the table. Mikel Arteta’s side have felt hard done by with three controversial red card decisions going against them, with VAR stepping in to upgrade William Saliba’s initial yellow against Bournemouth to a straight red.
Liverpool, meanwhile, remain the league leaders but have been docked three points from their actual total. Arne Slot’s men have only tasted defeat once, in a 1-0 home defeat against Nottingham Forest, while taking maximum points from 80% of their outstanding 15 fixtures. They have benefitted from three VAR decisions going their way, but have also had two go against them,
One team that would certainly be wishing VAR didn’t exist is Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola’s side have done incredibly well to sit fifth at Christmas, but it could’ve been even better for the Cherries as without VAR, they would be four points better off and sat in the top four above Nottingham Forest who have been equally as impressive.
Man City, Leicester and West Ham Among the Biggest Beneficiaries of VAR
West Ham are a total of six points better off
One decision that the Foxes had in their favour came against Chelsea. Wilfried Ndidi was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Cole Palmer where he stood on his heel. VAR did not overturn the decision, but it was decided that a red card should’ve been awarded by those who voted on the decision via a poll on Squawka’s X account.
Prior to that, VAR helped Leicester walk away with three points in a clash against relegation rivals Southampton. The Foxes ended up coming away from St Mary’s with a 3-2 victory, but the scores could’ve finished level had the Saints been awarded a penalty when Jordan Ayew pulled on Paul Onuachu’s shirt. What makes the decision more interesting was that the visitors were awarded a penalty for a very similar incident between Jamie Vardy and Ryan Fraser.
“We had an apology last week about a decision that was made that we weren’t given. I didn’t say anything after the game in the press but today I am.”
Other Big Winners and Losers
Crystal Palace’s league standing hampered by VAR
All three teams in the relegation zone – Ipswich Town, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers – have also had points taken from their grasp, with Kieran McKenna’s side losing three points thanks to Stockley Park being in place. They, however, would still be in the drop zone thanks to their unfavourable goal difference, whereas Wolves would be outside the bottom three.
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On the other end of the scale, Brighton can count their blessings as well as Man City, West Ham and Leicester, as the Seagulls would have also lost points if there were no VAR.
