A different perspective on the Premier League standings reveals which teams have gained from VAR decisions and those who might prefer its absence.
Since its introduction to the Premier League at the start of the 2019/20 season, VAR has stirred significant controversy.
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PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) has faced mounting pressure to refine the implementation of VAR following several contentious incidents that have incensed Premier League managers.
In September, Jurgen Klopp advocated for Liverpool’s loss to Tottenham to be replayed after VAR failed to overturn an erroneous on-field decision disallowing a Luis Diaz goal.
Supporters from various clubs assert they have been unfairly treated by VAR compared to others. Now, an alternative Premier League table has been devised to illustrate the impact on each team.
This alternative ranking is derived by considering all match-defining decisions made this season and adopting the decisions of the on-pitch referees.
According to this table, compiled by Manchester World, Newcastle United appears to be the team most adversely affected by VAR.
In a hypothetical scenario without VAR, Eddie Howe’s squad would possess three additional points, elevating them to seventh place from their current eighth position.
Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, has endured a disappointing season, currently occupying 10th place with 35 points.
However, without VAR interventions, Chelsea would have five fewer points and drop to 11th in the standings.
Manchester United, exhibiting strong form in the league, would have an additional point in a VAR-free world, but would maintain their sixth-place position under Erik ten Hag’s management.
Tottenham Hotspur would retain fifth place in the table despite losing two points without VAR, while Aston Villa would remain fourth but gain two additional points.
Arsenal would still hold third place, but their lead over Villa would shrink from six to three points as they would lose one point without VAR.
Presently, Liverpool leads Manchester City by a single point at the summit of the table. However, in a VAR-less scenario, both rivals would be tied on 56 points, with Klopp’s team having one point fewer.
