How the Premier League table would look at Christmas if VAR wasn’t been used
With the 2024/25 Premier League season approaching the halfway stage, the role of VAR continues to be a lightning rod for controversy, influencing outcomes and sparking debates among fans and pundits alike. With the season seven games in, questions are already swirling about how different the league table might look without the intervention – or alleged errors – made by the divisive technology.
With the current campaign almost 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 us which teams’ fans will be cursing VAR (and which will be secretly pleased the 20 top-flight clubs didn’t vote to get rid of it).
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,
Manchester City’s recent run of form has seen them tumble all the way down to seventh 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 ninth 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 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
In terms of who VAR has helped the most, the new table shows that there is one clear winner: Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United, who sit six points better off than Squawka suggest they would be had it not been for the decisions that have gone their way. Man City and Leicester are also among the biggest beneficiaries of the post-decision calls. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men currently sit in 17th with 14 points, although the results of the research suggest that they should be sitting inside the drop zone.
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.
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:
“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.”
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Other Big Winners and Losers
Crystal Palace’s league standing hampered by VAR
Crystal Palace vs Wolves
Among the other teams who can feel hard done by are Oliver Glasner-led Crystal Palace. The Eagles have seen three decisions go against them compared to the one that has gone in their favour. Without them, they would be two points better off and sitting more comfortably in 14th. Manchester United, without VAR, would be one point better off after a controversial penalty, converted by Jarrod Bowen, saw West Ham United win the game 2-1. That doesn’t change the fact they have had a dismal campaign.
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.
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.
