The Video Assistant Referee system continues to be one of the most debated topics in English football, with its interventions significantly influencing team fortunes this season. A fresh analysis examining how overturned decisions have affected match outcomes reveals a dramatically altered Premier League landscape.
London Clubs See Mixed Fortunes
According to research conducted by Liverpool World, which calculated points based on goals given or disallowed following VAR interventions, several London clubs find their positions substantially changed. The most striking revelation shows West Ham United plummeting to 18th position with just 11 points, a far cry from their actual league standing.
Meanwhile, Arsenal maintain their impressive form at the summit with 29 points from 12 games, sitting six points clear of London rivals Chelsea. The Gunners' strong start appears largely unaffected by VAR's influence according to this analysis.
Mid-Table Reshuffle
Crystal Palace have enjoyed a promising beginning to their campaign, currently occupying fifth position while managing European commitments and remaining in the Carabao Cup. Their position remains relatively stable in the hypothetical VAR-free table.
Tottenham Hotspur have experienced inconsistency with five victories and four defeats from their opening twelve fixtures, leaving them on 18 points. The analysis suggests their situation could have been markedly different without certain VAR interventions.
The Hammers' difficult start under former manager Graham Potter showed signs of improvement under Nuno Espirito Santo, though the VAR-free table paints a grimmer picture of their campaign thus far.
Weekend London Fixtures Loom
As the Premier League prepares for another action-packed weekend, several London clubs face crucial tests. West Ham host Liverpool while Palace take on Manchester United and Spurs face Fulham. These matches could further highlight how pivotal moments, potentially involving VAR, continue to shape the season's narrative.
The research methodology focused specifically on decisions overturned by VAR that directly led to goals being awarded or disallowed, providing a clear picture of how the technology has redistributed points across the league.
