What the 2025/26 Premier League Table Would Look Like Without VAR Errors
VAR has become a permanent fixture in the Premier League since its introduction in 2019/20, but its presence remains controversial. Using fan-driven data from Squawka, this adjusted table reveals how every club would stand if refereeing mistakes made with VAR were removed—starting from the bottom and climbing to the top.
Wolves stay bottom despite VAR lifeline
Wolverhampton Wanderers are still rooted to the bottom with just two points, even after VAR saved Yerson Mosquera from a red card against Newcastle. The decision didn’t impact their fate—they remain winless.
Leeds drop into deeper danger
Leeds United fall three places to 19th, losing two points due to a favourable VAR call earlier in the season. Without that slice of luck, they’d be in even more serious trouble.
Forest climb slightly but still stuck in the zone
Nottingham Forest edge up one place, now 18th, thanks to a small VAR-neutral campaign. With no decisions for or against them, their position improves only slightly.
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West Ham benefit from Leeds’ misfortune
West Ham United move up one spot to 17th after two vital wins and fewer VAR-related controversies. They're one of the biggest gainers at the bottom.
Burnley hover just above the drop
Burnley rise one place to 16th and are the only other team, alongside Forest, with a clean VAR slate. Their survival battle remains tight.
Fulham frustrated despite staying in 15th
Fulham retain their real-life position, but the no-VAR table suggests they should have two extra points. Three incorrect calls, including a disallowed Josh King goal, have held them back.
Newcastle still stuck in mid-table
Newcastle United stay in 14th but would have two more points if Nick Woltemade’s penalty shout against Bournemouth had been given. Their inconsistency continues to haunt them.
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Everton unlucky with decisions, unchanged in 13th
David Moyes' Everton have had two calls go against them, yet their place and points total remain unaffected. A frustrating spot for Toffees fans.
Brentford hold firm despite VAR setback
Brentford also remain where they are in 12th, losing one point due to an incorrect decision. Not much changes for the Bees.
Brighton steady in mid-table despite split decisions
Brighton & Hove Albion experienced one VAR call for and one against them this season. Neither incident changed their points tally or 11th place standing.
Bournemouth drop after costly missed penalty
A denied penalty for Nick Woltemade costs Bournemouth one point, sending them down to 10th. It’s a marginal change but a costly one in such a tight table.
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Aston Villa’s luck wears thin without VAR help
Villa drop three spots to ninth after three calls went in their favour earlier this season. While their points stay the same, their goal difference worsens.
Liverpool static but hard done by VAR
Despite having four incorrect decisions go against them—the most of any team—Liverpool remain eighth. The most controversial was van Dijk’s disallowed equaliser versus City.
Manchester United hold seventh despite setbacks
Three missed calls, including a penalty shout for Amad Diallo, haven’t stopped United’s rise under Ruben Amorim. They stay seventh with 18 points.
Spurs fall behind Palace in VAR-adjusted table
Tottenham drop to sixth due to fewer favourable calls compared to Crystal Palace. Two VAR errors against them weren’t enough to keep their edge.
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Palace climb five places after early injustice
Crystal Palace are the biggest risers, jumping from 10th to fifth. The disallowed Eberechi Eze goal at Chelsea cost them two points that now return.
Sunderland continue to impress in fourth
Newly-promoted Sunderland have had a strong start and would actually have two more points without VAR interference. They keep their place in the top four.
Chelsea’s luck doesn't shift their standing
Chelsea have benefitted from multiple VAR calls but would still sit third even if one was overturned. Enzo Maresca’s side continues to push the leaders.
Manchester City remain strong in second
Pep Guardiola’s team experience no changes in points or position, staying just behind Arsenal in second. Their campaign has been VAR-free so far.
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Arsenal top, but with less breathing room
The Gunners stay first despite losing two points due to VAR-related luck earlier in the season. Without the missed penalty call against United, their lead would be narrower.
