The Premier League Table Without VAR: We Take A Look At Which Clubs Would Make The Top 6

David Tully

8 months ago

Categories: Galleries, West Ham United News

Tags: Arsenal, aston villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sheffield United, Southampton, Spurs, West Ham, Wolves

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) can have a massive say in the outcome of Premier League matches.

When results can be decided in one moment, such as a penalty decision or an offside, the use of VAR can change results.

In this post, we will be looking at how the top six would be affected in terms of points if VAR had not intervened.

Press the next page as we list where each team would sit in the table after six games.

6) Aston Villa – 12 Pts without VAR (0 Difference)

The Villans’ position in the table has not been affected by VAR decisions so far this campaign.

Unai Emery’s side would have the exact same amount of points, even without any intervention from the video match officials.

Of course, there are certain incidents that can’t be quantified in the numbers. For example, the decision to send off Chelsea fullback Malo Gusto in their last game.

The score was 0-0 at the time, but Villa did go on to win, thanks to a goal from Ollie Watkins.

5) Arsenal – 13 Pts Without VAR (-1 Difference)

The Gunners would be in the same position in the table, but a point worse off if VAR had not intervened.

Cristian Romero’s handball in the box during the North London derby wasn’t originally caught by the on-pitch referee.

However, VAR reviewed the footage and, after a lengthy deliberation process, it was decided that Arsenal should be given a spot kick.

Bukayo Saka dispatched the penalty and that goal ultimately helped the home side get a point against Tottenham.

4) Brighton – 13 Pts Without VAR (-2 Difference)

The Seagulls would drop one position in the table if VAR had not gotten involved.

Based on the decisions given in their first 6 fixtures, it appears Roberto De Zerbi have benefited the most from the use of video replays.

Of course, that shouldn’t be used to minimise Brighton’s best start to a top-flight season in their history.

The Seagulls’ only dropped points so far came against West Ham, when they lost 3-1 at home.

3) Liverpool – 16 Pts Without VAR (0 Difference)

Although some rival supporters have used the pejorative “LIVARPOOL” to suggest that the Reds have been disproportionately favoured by VAR decisions in the past, that has not been the case so far this season.

They have the exact same amount of points as they would have if video referees were not in use, with the decisions in the first 6 games ultimately balancing out.

Whether that will change as the campaign goes on, we shall have to wait and see.

Despite having the same amount of points, they have dropped one position compared to where they actually sit in the table. That is because of the next team on our list.

2) Tottenham – 18 Pts Without VAR (+4 Difference)

Spurs could still have a 100% record at the moment if VAR was not in operation.

Some may argue that Ange Postecoglou’s side have been a bit unlucky but the penalty for Arsenal in last weekend’s derby was arguably the right decision.

However, the spot-kick that was given to Brentford in the 2-2 draw last month was more debatable, with many suggesting that Mathias Jenson went down after minimal contact.

It has been suggested that the Dane fell over Son’s foot to win the penalty.

1) Manchester City – 18 Pts Without VAR (0 Difference)

The reigning champions have had a flawless start to the campaign and VAR hasn’t impacted their results whatsoever.

That doesn’t mean there haven’t been controversies. Nathan Ake’s goal in the 5-1 win against Fulham should probably have been ruled out for offside by the video referee.

The Dutchman headed in to make it 2-1 before half-time but teammate Manuel Akanji was clearly in an offside position, obscuring the view of goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

It was a pivotal moment when the game was still level and Cottagers boss Marco Silva was left fuming, claiming it was a “huge mistake.”