How the Premier League Table Would Look at Christmas Without VAR
As the 2024/25 Premier League season nears its halfway point, VAR remains a contentious topic, often influencing matches and sparking debates among fans and pundits. With seven matches already played, many are speculating about how the league standings might differ without the controversial technology and its decisions.
Squawka has provided an alternative league table showing what the standings might look like without VAR’s involvement. The findings highlight which teams have benefitted from VAR and which might wish it didn’t exist. Despite claims by PGMOL that over 100 errors were corrected by VAR last season, it continues to be a focal point of debate this year.
Liverpool Leads the Pack
Liverpool has made an impressive start under Arne Slot and remains top of the table, even after losing three points in the alternative VAR-free standings. Despite benefiting from three VAR decisions and being penalized by two, their overall dominance remains intact, with only one loss this season—a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Arsenal holds their rightful third-place position but feels aggrieved by controversial VAR decisions, including an upgraded red card for William Saliba. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s recent struggles have dropped them to seventh. Without VAR, their position could worsen, falling to ninth, as several decisions, such as a late John Stones goal against Wolves, went their way.
Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest Shine
Bournemouth, currently fifth, would rise to the top four in a VAR-free world, gaining four additional points. Nottingham Forest, however, would edge them out in the current standings, maintaining their impressive run of form.
VAR’s Biggest Beneficiaries: West Ham, Leicester, and Man City
West Ham has been the biggest winner, sitting six points better off due to VAR interventions. Leicester and Manchester City have also benefitted significantly. Leicester, for example, avoided a red card for Wilfried Ndidi against Chelsea and gained crucial points against Southampton.
Leicester’s controversial moments include a penalty decision in their favor against Southampton while denying the Saints a similar call. Southampton manager Russell Martin even disclosed receiving an apology from referees over past decisions.
Other Winners and Losers
Crystal Palace, led by Oliver Glasner, has been one of VAR’s biggest victims, losing points due to unfavorable decisions. Without VAR, they would sit more comfortably in 14th place. Manchester United would also gain a point, although their struggles this season remain glaring.
At the bottom of the table, Ipswich, Southampton, and Wolves have all been negatively impacted by VAR decisions. Ipswich would still remain in the relegation zone due to goal difference, but Wolves would climb out.
Brighton, like West Ham and Man City, owes some of its points to VAR. Without the technology, they would lose ground in the standings.
The analysis underscores the significant impact VAR has on the Premier League table. While some teams have benefitted greatly, others have paid the price, further fueling the ongoing debate about its role in the game.
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