With 29 matches played so far, there’s growing speculation about how the league table might have looked if VAR hadn’t been part of the equation—whether through its interventions or perceived mishaps.
London World has put together an alternative Premier League table that imagines how things might have unfolded without VAR’s influence.
This hypothetical scenario provides insight into which teams might feel hard done by and which fanbases may quietly appreciate that the technology was retained by the 20 top-flight clubs. ..Continue Reading
While the PGMOL reported over 100 errors corrected by VAR last season, this campaign has already brought its fair share of contentious moments, keeping the debate around the system alive and divisive.
Premier League Table Without VAR (as of 19/03/25)
1. Liverpool
2. Arsenal
3. Nottingham Forest
4. Bournemouth
5. Chelsea
6. Brighton & Hove Albion
7. Manchester City
8. Newcastle United
9. Brentford
10. Fulham
11. Aston Villa
12. Crystal Palace
13. Manchester United
14. Everton
15. Tottenham Hotspur
16. West Ham United
17. Wolverhampton Wanderers
18. Ipswich Town
19. Leicester City
20. Southampton
According to a supercomputer, Arsenal is expected to finish second in the Premier League once again this season. However, research conducted by London World suggests that the Gunners shouldn’t be trailing champions-elect Liverpool by such a significant margin.
Mikel Arteta’s team has suffered from three contentious red card decisions, including a VAR upgrade of William Saliba’s yellow card against Bournemouth to a straight red. Without VAR, Arsenal would be just three points behind Liverpool, instead of the daunting 12-point gap they now face.
Liverpool, poised to secure their 20th English title, would still be leading the pack but would have three fewer points without VAR’s involvement.
Arne Slot’s side has only lost once this season, a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, and amassed 70 points from their first 29 matches. Recent VAR interventions, such as penalties awarded against Manchester United and Southampton, have had minimal impact on their dominance.
Manchester City’s turbulent form between October and December saw them drop to fifth place in the table. Without VAR, their situation could have been worse, with Pep Guardiola’s side slipping to seventh.
An example of this came at Molineux, where a late John Stones header was initially disallowed for offside against Bernardo Silva but reinstated by VAR, earning City three points.
Bournemouth, on the other hand, might wish VAR was never introduced. Andoni Iraola’s team has performed admirably, sitting in the top 10 and just four points off a Europa League spot.
However, without VAR, the Cherries would be six points better off and in the top four, overtaking an inconsistent Chelsea under Enzo Maresca.
Among the biggest VAR beneficiaries are Newcastle United and West Ham, who have gained six extra points compared to what they might have without the technology.
Other teams that have benefited include Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Leicester City, reinforcing the substantial influence of VAR decisions on the Premier League standings.
Newcastle United’s recent Carabao Cup triumph—marking their first piece of silverware in 70 years—has brought much joy to their fans, along with optimism about their chances of securing Champions League qualification. However, without VAR’s involvement this season, the Magpies would find themselves seven points further from that goal.
For instance, Newcastle managed a draw against Bournemouth after VAR overturned a late winner by the home side. Everton also had a goal disallowed by VAR in a match against Eddie Howe’s team. In their 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest, Newcastle required VAR to award them a decisive penalty, which Alexander Isak converted.
Similarly, West Ham United has gained significant advantages from VAR this season. The east London side would have four fewer points without the technology. A notable example includes a late penalty against Manchester United, converted by Jarrod Bowen, which earned them two extra points.
Additionally, a penalty in their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth and a controversial overturned penalty against Everton both worked in West Ham’s favor.
Aston Villa, bolstered by January additions Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford, has also benefited from VAR’s intervention.
Currently sitting ninth and just four points off the top four, reports suggest they’d be closer to eight points adrift without VAR decisions going their way.
Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, is among the teams that have suffered the most from VAR this season.
The Red Devils have seen far more decisions go against them than in their favor, costing them four potential points. While this wouldn’t change their league position, those extra points would have strengthened their chances for a top-half finish.
A controversial penalty converted by Jarrod Bowen handed West Ham a 2-1 win in what was Erik ten Hag’s last game as United manager, underscoring their difficult campaign.
Elsewhere, teams like Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Southampton—desperately fighting relegation—would each be at least one point better off without VAR. Arsenal and Bournemouth, too, have been hindered by the use of technology.
Conversely, teams like Liverpool and Leicester City, along with those mentioned earlier, have benefited greatly from VAR. Leicester, for example, would have lost three points without VAR interventions, underscoring its impact on their season.
In a league often regarded as the world’s toughest, VAR remains a polarizing force shaping outcomes both at the top and bottom of the table.
