How the 2025/26 Premier League table would look without VAR errors
What if VAR never existed this season? A new alternative Premier League table based on fan-voted VAR mistakes shows just how different things could be. From title chasers to relegation strugglers, several clubs would find themselves in new positions if key decisions had gone the other way.
Arsenal still lead, but not by much
Arsenal would still sit atop the Premier League table without VAR, but they'd have two fewer points. A missed penalty call against William Saliba in their season opener could have cost them a win, tightening the title race.
Spurs rise as Bournemouth drop
Tottenham Hotspur would benefit in a VAR-free world, moving up to second place. Bournemouth, meanwhile, would slip one spot due to a goal difference shift, having previously gained from a controversial non-penalty call.
Sunderland keep soaring in dream return
Despite the controversy, Sunderland’s remarkable return to the top flight holds steady. Without VAR errors, they'd remain in fourth with 17 points, matching their real-life performance under Regis Le Bris.
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Crystal Palace climb into European contention
The biggest positional leap in the top half comes from Crystal Palace, who would jump three places to 7th. Two key VAR errors cost them points, and correcting those pushes them past both Liverpool and Aston Villa.
Chelsea sneak up, Liverpool and Villa slide down
Chelsea would edge up a spot thanks to three decisions going their way and one more point added. In contrast, both Liverpool and Aston Villa would fall two places each, with VAR having slightly flattered their current standings.
Manchester rivals hold firm
Both Manchester clubs maintain their real-world positions, but not without controversy. United, in particular, have had three questionable decisions go against them, yet they still sit sixth — just one point behind City.
Newcastle and Brighton benefit
Newcastle and Brighton both gain from correcting VAR errors, moving above Brentford. Newcastle, hit by three poor decisions, would see a valuable two-point gain that pushes them into 11th.
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Everton stuck in mid-table
Despite two VAR decisions going against them, Everton's position doesn’t change. They’d still be 14th, but they'd be one point better off in a tight bottom-half cluster.
Fulham escape the drop zone
VAR has not been kind to Fulham — but if the questionable calls were reversed, they'd climb two places to 15th. A disallowed goal against Chelsea proved costly, making a big difference in their standing.
Leeds fall as Wolves and West Ham remain doomed
Leeds United would drop into 17th, narrowly avoiding relegation after gaining a dubious penalty early in the season. Meanwhile, Wolves and West Ham, despite single VAR errors benefiting them, would still languish in 20th and 19th respectively.
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