The controversial Video Assistant Referee system has once again become a major talking point in English football, with a new analysis revealing how the Premier League table would look completely different without its intervention this season.
The Alternative Premier League Standings
An examination of all VAR decisions that led to goals being given or disallowed in the 2025/26 campaign paints a startling picture of how the technology has influenced team fortunes. The research, published on 7th November 2025 by sports reporter Ben McKenna, calculates the precise points each club would have accumulated after approximately ten games without VAR's involvement.
According to the findings, Wolverhampton Wanderers would find themselves in the most dire situation, sitting bottom of the table with just two points without the technology's interventions. They're joined in the relegation zone by Nottingham Forest on six points and West Ham United, who would have seven points in this alternative reality.
London Clubs Feel VAR Impact
The analysis provides particular insight for London-based clubs, with West Ham's position being notably affected. The Hammers would currently occupy 18th place without VAR, a stark contrast to their actual league standing.
Other capital clubs feature throughout the revised table, though their specific positions beyond the bottom three weren't detailed in the initial findings. The research nevertheless confirms that Arsenal, Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Tottenham have all been involved in matches where VAR decisions proved decisive.
Return to Premier League Action
The revelation comes as top-flight football resumes this weekend, with several affected clubs immediately returning to action. Tottenham Hotspur kick off the weekend with a home clash against Manchester United, while Chelsea host Wolves after their midweek trip to Qarabag.
League leaders Arsenal make the journey to Sunderland aiming to maintain their impressive form, while West Ham United welcome Burnley to the London Stadium. The weekend concludes with Crystal Palace hosting Brighton in the M23 derby at Selhurst Park on Sunday.
The ongoing debate about VAR's role in football shows no signs of abating, with this analysis providing fresh ammunition for those questioning whether the technology improves the game or creates more controversy than it resolves.
