Liverpool Surge Up Premier League Table as VAR-Free Rankings Reveal Dramatic Shifts for 2025-26

The iconic Brazilian dramatist and sports journalist Nelson Rodrigues held little regard for the introduction of televised football. "If the video replay indicates it's a penalty, then so much the worse for the video replay," he once memorably declared. "The video replay lacks intelligence."

One can only wonder what his thoughts would be regarding VAR.

There has been discussion about expanding the scope of video assistant referees in future seasons, but they appear to be generating sufficient controversy in the Premier League currently. Every weekend is consistently overshadowed by one contentious ruling—or, more frequently, lack thereof—after another, with coaches, athletes and analysts becoming embroiled in the debate.

Soccer supporters have notoriously short memories and those calling for a VAR-free world have surely forgotten about the accusations of bias that plagued the sport before sideline screens became prevalent. Consider this innocent theoretical exercise.

Looking back through this season's outcomes and modifying each result based on the premise that the field referee's judgment was always definitive creates an imaginary world without VAR.

It's a flawed framework: goals—whether allowed or not—alter matches, so it's impossible to determine exactly how these games would have unfolded if VAR hadn't interfered; we are also operating under the belief that every penalty overruled by VAR would have found the net.

But it functions as a rough gauge of how much influence Stockley Park wields on the Premier League. Certain clubs have undoubtedly felt the effects more than others.

How the 2025–26 Premier League Table Would Look Without VAR

Arsenal have avoided any crucial VAR interventions this season. The Gunners witnessed four distinct match-winning "goals" ruled out by the remote officials in 2024–25 (costing them eight points which still wouldn't have been sufficient to unseat Liverpool). However, this campaign, the two penalties they have had reversed have not cost them any points.

Mikel Arteta was especially displeased with the spot kick Viktor Gyökeres had withdrawn against Newcastle United in September. That simmering anger was cooled by a stoppage-time winner from Gabriel, while Arsenal were already leading 1–0 against Fulham when Bukayo Saka had a penalty erased.

Bournemouth certainly would have gained from less VAR interference. The Cherries entered the international break in ninth, but merely two additional points would send them climbing into the top three. That extra benefit could have materialized at Selhurst Park in October, when the opening goal of Jean-Philippe Mateta's hat-trick for Crystal Palace in a wild 3–3 draw was awarded by VAR after confirming that the Frenchman had, indeed, been onside.

Palace were rescued by the watchful eye of VAR once more against Brighton earlier this month.

The Seagulls had a second-half penalty removed after VAR determined that Georginio Rutter had simulated contact to earn the spot kick. In a world without the intervention of Paul Howard, and working under the assumption that Danny Welbeck would have converted the penalty, Brighton could have secured two additional points and jumped up five positions in this tightly packed table.

Brighton's ascent would theoretically push Manchester United down, although none of Ruben Amorim's results have been directly affected by VAR reversals so far. The Red Devils had two interventions neutralize each other at the end of August.

United were initially refused a first-half penalty awarded by on-field official Sam Barrott against Burnley before Con Hatzidakis saved the embarrassment of a returning Kyle Walker. However, VAR would side with United in injury time, penalizing Jaidon Antony for a pull on Amad Diallo to give Bruno Fernandes the opportunity to secure victory from 12 yards. He successfully converted.

Liverpool Rail Against Injustice

Liverpool entered November's international break fuming over the officiating decisions that marred their loss to Manchester City. Virgil van Dijk's goal was ruled out for an offside from Andy Robertson by the on-field assistant referee, but Arne Slot openly acknowledged that questionable decision was not the reason they were so decisively defeated.

However, their 3–2 setback against Brentford two weeks prior may very well have unfolded differently without VAR. Van Dijk once more found himself at the center of controversy.

The record-setting Dutchman was initially penalized for a foul on Dango Ouattara only for VAR to conclude that the infraction occurred inside the penalty area. Igor Thiago converted the spot kick to make it 3–1. Yet, had the Brazilian missed, Mohamed Salah's late goal would theoretically have been a leveler at 2–2.

That single additional point would elevate Liverpool above the compressed group of teams in the upper half of the table, propelling them all the way up to fourth.

Liverpool VAR Overturns

Chelsea Feel the Squeeze

If Liverpool have been harmed by VAR, Chelsea have been primary beneficiaries.

The Blues experienced a Stockley Park-heavy start to the new season. On the opening weekend of the campaign, Eberechi Eze—then at Crystal Palace—saw his free-kick nullified by VAR, ensuring that Chelsea escaped with a point against the Eagles.

In another London derby just two weeks later, Fulham were doubly penalized by VAR at Stamford Bridge. Josh King had what he believed was the first goal of his professional career harshly ruled out due to a minor foul in the buildup from Rodrigo Muniz.

João Pedro added to Fulham's misery with an opening goal in extended first-half injury time before Enzo Fernández quickly added insult to injury with a second-half penalty awarded by that same VAR, Michael Salisbury. Marco Silva could barely control his frustration when he labeled the decisions "incredible."

Without VAR's impact, Chelsea would be three points poorer and fall from third down to ninth.

Chelsea VAR Overturns