Premier League 2024/25 Without VAR: What the Table Would Look Like
How would the Premier League have looked without the influence of VAR? The controversial technology continues to divide opinion, but stripping it out gives a fascinating alternative final table. Here’s a detailed look at the adjusted standings for the 2024/25 season — starting from the bottom.
20. Southampton – 12 points (±0)
Southampton were the league’s worst-performing team whether VAR was involved or not. The Saints’ relegation fate was sealed long before the final day, and VAR made no difference to their points tally.
19. Ipswich Town – 20 points (-2)
The newly promoted side struggled to find consistency and form at the top level. Without VAR, Ipswich actually fare slightly worse, losing two points that may have come from marginal offside or penalty decisions.
18. Leicester City – 27 points (+2)
Leicester still drop to the Championship, but they would’ve earned two more points without VAR interference. That small boost wasn’t enough to change their fate, but it suggests VAR didn’t always go their way.
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17. Tottenham Hotspur – 38 points (±0)
VAR had no impact on Spurs’ final position or points total. Their underwhelming season remains a disappointment regardless of technology.
16. West Ham United – 39 points (-4)
The Hammers would have benefitted from VAR more than most, losing four points in this alternative table. Decisions that went their way during the campaign were clearly vital to staying afloat.
15. Wolves – 43 points (+1)
A modest improvement for Wolves without VAR, showing a relatively neutral relationship with the technology. Their mid-table status remains largely unaffected.
14. Manchester United – 45 points (+3)
United would gain three extra points without VAR, hinting at some critical calls going against them. It’s a small shift, but it adds to the narrative of a turbulent and underwhelming campaign.
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13. Fulham – 50 points (-4)
Fulham lose significant ground with VAR out of the picture. A four-point swing shows that key decisions — perhaps penalties or disallowed goals — were crucial in keeping them higher.
12. Crystal Palace – 52 points (-1)
A negligible drop for Palace, whose season stays consistent in both versions. Their form and points total were stable enough not to be greatly swayed by officiating technology.
11. Everton – 52 points (+5)
Everton gain five points without VAR — a massive swing that suggests they were regularly on the wrong end of decisions. Their climb up the table in this version might fuel frustrations among fans.
10. Brentford – 53 points (-3)
Brentford lose three points without VAR, which reflects a few marginal calls going their way. It was still a solid campaign overall, but the Bees would slip slightly without technological help.
9. Brighton – 57 points (-4)
VAR clearly played a role in Brighton’s success, as they lose four points in this adjusted table. Their attacking style might have led to more VAR-influenced goals and decisions going their way.
8. Newcastle United – 62 points (-4)
The Magpies would finish four points worse off, which could reflect tight offside calls or overturned penalties. VAR clearly played a meaningful role in their pursuit of European football.
7. Aston Villa – 64 points (-2)
Villa’s drop by two points isn’t dramatic, but it’s enough to push them further away from the top four. Their strong season holds up, but it highlights how fine the margins were.
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6. Bournemouth – 64 points (+8)
One of the biggest gainers in the league without VAR, Bournemouth add eight points. That’s a significant improvement, pointing to missed calls that otherwise limited their success.
5. Nottingham Forest – 68 points (+3)
A surprising rise into the top five for Forest, who would’ve gained three extra points without VAR. The Midlands club may have been hampered by decisions throughout the season more than expected.
4. Manchester City – 69 points (-2)
City, usually dominant, would have finished with two fewer points in a VAR-free world. While it doesn’t drastically change their position, it hints at the small advantages they benefited from.
3. Chelsea – 71 points (+2)
Chelsea’s turbulent season would look slightly better without VAR, gaining two points. They still remain well off the top two, but it’s a mild improvement in what was a season of rebuilding.
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2. Arsenal – 82 points (+8)
Arsenal were massive beneficiaries in this alternate universe, gaining eight points. That kind of swing could have changed the title race, showing how significant VAR calls were across their season.
1. Liverpool – 84 points (±0)
Top of the table even without VAR, Liverpool’s season proves they earned their points the hard way. Their position remains unchanged, making them deserving champions in both scenarios.
