2025/26 Premier League Table Without ‘VAR Errors’

Remember a world when VAR (Video Assistant Referee) wasn’t available for referees in the Premier League? The game flowed and there was far less controversy surrounding the standard of officiating in England’s top flight – but that is no longer the case after the technology was unanimously voted for and, therefore, introduced in the 2019/20 season following a successful test in the campaign prior.

VAR was implemented as a means of giving referees an edge when identifying, and possibly correcting, “clear and obvious errors” in four key areas: goals, penalties, red cards and mistaken identity.

A dedicated VAR figure has, since, monitored every single game in the Premier League – and, despite the constant murmurs over its effectiveness in England, there is little chance that league chiefs will be getting rid of it any time soon. So, as we settle into the 2025/26 campaign, which teams have benefitted the most from VAR errors? And which teams, in comparison, have suffered the most?

Using data from Squawka, who had their X (formerly Twitter) followers vote in polls, there have been a handful of Premier League clubs that were on the receiving end of what supporters felt were bad calls since the current season started. Let’s take a closer look at the winners and losers of errors which have been committed with the use of VAR, from 2025/26.

Relegation Zone

Wolverhampton Wanderers have benefited from three VAR-led errors this term, but their standing (rock bottom of the top flight) would not have changed. They’d still be on two points from their 15 matches, giving the Old Gold very little hope of anything reversing their early damage.

Scott Parker’s Burnley have had one mistake go against them this term, although it wouldn’t have any impact on their 19th-placed position in the Premier League. Like Wolves, the Clarets would still be in big trouble if the technology didn’t exist.

However, in 18th place we have Leeds United, who drop down two places and lose as many points. The error in favour of Daniel Farke’s side keeps them above the relegation zone in reality.

West Ham United have picked up important points in recent weeks, but the Hammers still aren’t where they should be in the table, as they are actually in the drop zone. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest would be one place better off without VAR errors. ​​Brentford should be a place lower than in real life, meaning Keith Andrews’ side would be 15th.

Bottom Half

Bournemouth are one of the bigger beneficiaries of VAR mistakes this term. The Cherries have had two decisions go in their favour, with none against. This means Andoni Iraola’s side should actually be 14th, not 13th.

On the other hand, Fulham should be two places better off and in 13th, as the Cottagers should seemingly have two additional points to their name after 15 games. Marco Silva’s team have had one error in their favour, but an incredible three mistakes go against them, including the decision to disallow Josh King’s goal in their 2-0 loss to Chelsea for a wrongly-accused challenge from Rodrigo Muniz on the half-way line.

Brighton & Hove Albion have had two errors go for them and one against them so far this season — and the Seagulls have benifitted by gaining four places to sit in the top eight, when they should really be 12th.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool are in a real rut presently. It seemed as though they had turned a corner, but they have only picked up one win in their last five league games. That being said, while there is no change to their position or points tally, the Reds have had four VAR errors go against them, more than any other team, according to fans. The most egregious arguably came against City, when Virgil van Dijk saw an equaliser chalked off for offside.

Top Half

Without the errors from VAR this season, Newcastle United would be a fair way better off, as the Magpies would land in 10th. Eddie Howe’s side haven’t managed to put a consistent run of form together. To make matters worse, they’ve had three VAR errors go against them so far, most notably when Nick Woltemade was denied a penalty in their goalless draw against Bournemouth, which cost them two points.

Everton and Tottenham would both be on 24 points without VAR errors, meaning David Moyes’ side would drop two places, while Spurs would actually leapfrog them into 8th position.

Regis Le Bris-led Sunderland, in their first season back in England’s top flight, have enjoyed a fantastic start. But without VAR errors against them, the Black Cats would be in the top seven — as they would have two extra points had the decision to award them a penalty against Everton been given.

Manchester United’s slightly improved form under Ruben Amorim, meanwhile, has seen them move into the top half in recent weeks. Impressively, they’ve also managed that despite four alleged errors going against them, including the decision not to award Amad Diallo a penalty against Brighton. Those decisions wouldn’t currently impact their league position or points tally.

Chelsea have had plenty of good fortune so far in 2025/26 — Eze’s disallowed goal when they faced Palace is just one of three calls that have benefitted them. But without VAR, Enzo Maresca’s side would have an extra point to their name, meaning they would be slightly further ahead of the Red Devils.

Top Four

Crystal Palace can feel extremely hard done by so far this term. While the Eagles have had one wrong VAR call go in their favour, the decision to rule Eberechi Eze’s goal out against Chelsea all the way back in gameweek one cost them a precious two points. A win at Stamford Bridge and another point instead of a defeat elsewhere would have them only three points off the top.

While Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have overcome their early-season funk, three mistakes going in their favour, according to fans, have done them a world of good. There’s no actual change in their points tally, the Villans would be a lot closer to their title rivals without VAR errors.

Manchester City would still lead them, though, with no change to position for Pep Guardiola’s side. But it’s Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal who just remain top of the league, albeit on two fewer points than they have in reality. William Saliba could’ve counted himself lucky not to give a penalty away on Matheus Cunha during the Gunners’ season opener, a 1-0 win against Manchester United. Had the north London side dropped points in that game, then they would be level on points with the Citizens.