How the Premier League table would look right now if VAR wasn’t being used
Robin Mumford
28 – 36 minutes
Premier League Table in 2024/25 Without VAR
Premier League
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Premier League VAR
With the current campaign just over 50% of the way through, Squakwa have produced an alternative Premier League table had VAR not been involved at all. The results form an alternative table showing which teams’ fans will be cursing VAR (and which fanbases will be secretly pleased the 20 top flight clubs didn’t vote to get rid of the much-maligned technology).
Although the PGMOL said that north of a substantial 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 if the technology had never been implemented by Premier League chiefs in the first place.
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 second 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.
William Saliba Arsenal Bournemouth
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Manchester City’s recent run of form has seen them tumble all the way down to sixth in the league table but if Pep Guardiola needs any solace, it should come from the fact that things could’ve been far worse, as the Cityzen’s would drop to seventh if VAR hadn’t been in their favour so often this season. One example of this came when they stole all three points at Molineux with a late John Stones header – which was initially ruled out for an offside against Bernardo Silva – eventually being given by VAR as it was deemed the Portuguese didn’t interfere with Jose Sa.
One team that would certainly be wishing VAR didn’t exist is Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola’s side did incredibly well to sit seventh at the turn of the year, 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 Enzo’s Maresca’s Chelsea, who have impressed under the Italian’s tenureship.
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.
Before 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.
After the game, then-Southampton manager Russell Martin revealed he had received an apology from the referee regarding the decision following a game against Manchester City where he was cautioned for protesting a decision:
Other Big Winners and Losers
Crystal Palace’s league standing hampered by VAR
Crystal Palace vs Wolves
All three teams currently in the relegation dogfight – Ipswich Town, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers – have also had points taken from their grasp, with Kieran McKenna’s side losing two points thanks to Stockley Park being in place. As a result, they’d be free from the shackles of being in the drop zone and above Everton and West Ham. Southampton, however, would still reside at rock bottom.
Red and Yellow card being given
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