Cast your mind back to the pre-VAR era in the Premier League—a time when referees made decisions without the help of video replays, and matches seemed to flow with fewer long stoppages. Controversy still existed, of course, but debates rarely reached the levels of scrutiny we see today. That all changed when Premier League clubs unanimously voted to introduce VAR (Video Assistant Referee) for the 2019/20 campaign, following a largely successful trial phase the season before. Since then, the technology has become an integral, if divisive, part of match officiating.

The system was brought in to provide referees with an additional layer of support for overturning or confirming “clear and obvious errors” in four major areas: goals, penalty decisions, straight red cards, and cases of mistaken identity. To achieve this, every match has a dedicated VAR official reviewing incidents in real time from Stockley Park, communicating with the on-field referee whenever a potential error arises.

Despite ongoing criticism from supporters, pundits, and even players, there appears to be little appetite among Premier League authorities to scrap the system. Now, as the 2025/26 season unfolds, VAR remains as influential as ever—sometimes for better, sometimes for worse. But which teams have gained the most from VAR errors this season, and which have been negatively impacted?

Using data compiled by Squawka—based on polls completed by their followers on X (formerly Twitter)—we can assess how fan-identified VAR mistakes would alter the league table. Their alternative standings assume that any penalty hypothetically awarded as a result of an error would be successfully converted. With that in mind, here is a deeper breakdown of this season’s winners and losers in the world of VAR.

Bottom of the Table: Relegation Zone Shake-Ups

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves have technically benefited from one significant VAR oversight—Yerson Mosquera escaping a red card in a narrow 1–0 defeat to Newcastle. However, even with that mistake corrected, their reality doesn’t change: they remain bottom of the Premier League, stuck on two points from two draws.

Leeds United

In 19th, Leeds would actually drop a place and lose two points without a VAR call that favoured them earlier in the season. Daniel Farke’s side are only level with the team just above the relegation zone due to this single contentious decision.

Burnley

Burnley sit in the bottom three in both the official standings and this reimagined table. Scott Parker’s squad suffered one error that went against them this season—one that, if corrected, would have lifted them one place higher.

Just Above the Drop: West Ham, Forest, Brentford

West Ham United have enjoyed a decent run recently, but the VAR-adjusted table keeps them exactly where they are: narrowly outside the bottom three. Nottingham Forest are one of the few clubs completely unaffected by VAR errors, with no change to their points or goal difference. Brentford, however, are slightly better off thanks to one favourable VAR mistake granting them an extra point, placing them 15th here.

Lower Mid-Table: Frustration for Fulham and Newcastle

Fulham

Sitting 14th in the VAR-adjusted standings, Fulham would actually have two more points if not for a trio of incorrect VAR decisions. Their most glaring injustice? Josh King’s goal being ruled out against Chelsea for a supposed foul by Rodrigo Muniz—an incident that took place near the halfway line and had no immediate bearing on the goal itself.

Newcastle United

Newcastle remain inconsistent on the pitch, and VAR hasn’t helped their cause. They drop to 13th without VAR errors, with three decisions going against them this season. The most impactful saw Nick Woltemade denied a clear penalty in a 0–0 draw with Bournemouth, costing the Magpies two valuable points.

Liverpool

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are enduring a worrying slump, losing six of their last seven league games. While their league position doesn’t change in this VAR-adjusted table, supporters point out that four incorrect decisions have gone against them—the most of any club. The most high-profile moment came against Manchester City, where Virgil van Dijk’s equaliser was controversially ruled offside.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth fall three spots and lose one point without the VAR decision involving Woltemade’s missed penalty. It’s a single moment with a meaningful impact on their league standing.

Top Half: Fine Margins and Missed Opportunities

Everton

David Moyes’ Everton climb one place into the top 10 in this alternative universe. The Toffees have endured three VAR decisions going against them, yet they still remain competitively positioned.

Manchester United

Ruben Amorim’s side have shown improved form over recent weeks, earning their way into the top half. That momentum is particularly impressive considering they’ve suffered three perceived VAR mistakes, including the failure to award Amad Diallo a penalty against Brighton.

Tottenham Hotspur

Currently ninth, Spurs would sit higher without VAR interference. They’ve experienced two errors against them and only one in their favour, costing them ground in the battle for European places.

Brighton & Hove Albion

Brighton’s season hasn’t been significantly influenced by VAR—they’ve seen one error each way, with no real impact on their points tally.

Aston Villa

Unai Emery’s Villa have recovered well after an uneven start, but they have also benefited from three VAR errors in their favour. These decisions don’t change their points total, but they do alter their goal difference enough to drop them two places in this hypothetical table.

Sunderland

In their first season back in the Premier League, Sunderland have been a revelation. They would still be in the top five even without VAR errors. In fact, if they had been awarded a penalty against Everton—which fans believe they should have—they’d be two points better off.

Top Four: Palace’s Misfortune and Arsenal’s Narrow Edge

Crystal Palace

Palace supporters have every right to feel aggrieved. Although they’ve received one favourable VAR call, the hugely significant disallowed Eberechi Eze goal against Chelsea on opening weekend cost them two points. Had that stood, Palace would be sitting fourth instead of fifth.

Manchester City

Pep Guardiola’s side stay put with no changes to their points or league position. VAR has neither helped nor hindered the champions significantly.

Chelsea

Chelsea have been one of the bigger beneficiaries of VAR this term, with three favourable decisions—including the controversial call in their match against Palace. However, their position in the table wouldn’t dramatically change in a VAR-free scenario; they would simply have one additional point.

Arsenal

Finally, league leaders Arsenal remain top even after removing VAR influence, though with two fewer points. One major moment came on opening weekend, when William Saliba avoided conceding a penalty after a challenge on Matheus Cunha. Had that been given, Arsenal’s early-season momentum might have been affected, slightly tightening their lead at the summit.