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-inspired errors this term, but their standing (rock bottom of the top flight) would not have changed. They’d still be on 10 points from their 28 league matches, giving the Old Gold and their loyal fans very little hope of anything reversing their early damage.

Scott Parker’s Burnley have had one VAR mistake go for 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 even if the divisive technology didn’t exist.

After picking up several important points, West Ham United seem to be back in the same pickle they were in before Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment. The Hammers are 18th in the league right now, inside the relegation spots, and would still be in that position if VAR errors – one for them and one against – hadn’t been made.

In 17th place, we have Nottingham Forest. VAR has made no difference to Vitor Pereira’s team, who would have the same number of points to their name if the VAR error that went against the Tricky Trees hadn’t been made.

Leeds United have benefited from VAR mistakes this season and that’s proved by their current points tally being two points more than it should be. The solitary error in favour of Daniel Farke’s side (compared to the zero against them) props them up in reality.

Igor Tudor-managed Tottenham Hotspur – who are reigning champions of the Europa League but are struggling to perform on a domestic front – have had four VAR mistakes go against them, but they have also been the beneficiaries of three VAR errors. Despite that, they would be 15th if VAR were faultless.

Bottom Half

Brighton & Hove Albion have been heavily involved in VAR controversy. They have had four errors go for them and two against them so far this season. However, they’d still be 14th without these errors.

Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth are the biggest beneficiaries of VAR mistakes this term. The Cherries have had a total of four decisions go in their favour, with none against. That’s resulted in them being further up in the table than they typically deserve. In real time, they reside in 8th but would be 13th here.

Everton have had four errors go against them this term. They can feel hard done by, as they should actually be three positions worse off.

Crystal Palace, who have had four errors go against them since the start of the campaign, ended their major trophy drought last season by winning the FA Cup against Manchester City. They, however, would be bumped up into 11th (from 13th) despite a downturn in form if VAR mistakes were not a thing.

Top Half

Regis Le Bris-led Sunderland, in their first season back in England’s top flight, enjoyed a fantastic start. But with the singular VAR error against them, the Black Cats would be even better off, as they would have two extra points had the decision to award them a penalty against Everton been given and the spot kick been subsequently converted.

Fulham should be one place better off and in ninth. The Cottagers would have two additional points to their name after 24 games.

Marco Silva’s team have had three errors in their favour, but four mistakes have gone 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 halfway line.

Without the errors from VAR this season, Newcastle United would also be better off, as the Magpies would land in 8th rather than 11th. Eddie Howe’s side haven’t managed to put a consistent run of form together and, to make matters worse, they’ve had five 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 a total of two points.

Keith Andrews’ Brentford are flying high in the Premier League right now. They wouldn’t experience a drop in position in the absence of VAR errors as they’d still be seventh. A total of five errors have gone against them, while just two have gone in their favour.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool, having been in a real rut this season, look to have turned something of a corner in recent weeks – but the reigning champions are far from being able to retain their status as the champions of England.

The Reds have been heavily penalised by VAR this season, with six errors going against them, according to fans. The most egregious arguably came against City, when Virgil van Dijk saw an equaliser chalked off for offside. However, that wouldn’t have changed their league position or points tally, with the current Premier League champions remaining in sixth.

Chelsea have had plenty of good fortune so far in 2025/26 (the most of any team in the top division) – Eberechi Eze’s disallowed goal when they faced Palace is just one of six calls that have benefitted them. No club has had more decisions go in their favour this term, but without them, the Blues would remain in fifth, but with an extra point on the table.

Top Four

While Unai Emery’s Aston Villa have overcome their early-season funk, five mistakes going in their favour have helped them along their way. Nevertheless, the Villans are in their current spot in the top three on their own merit of being one of the best teams in world football – but without VAR errors, they would be one position worse off.

Manchester United’s slightly improved form under Ruben Amorim saw them move into contention for European qualification places… but then the Portuguese tactician was sacked and replaced by Michael Carrick on an interim basis.

Impressively, they’ve also managed that despite also having six alleged errors (the joint-most of any team in England’s top flight) going against them, including the decision not to award Amad a penalty against Brighton. In this alternative table, the Red Devils would be in the top three after some big wins in recent weeks, and their points tally would be boosted by two.

them if VAR were faultless in the 2025/26 Premier League season. Pep Guardiola’s men would remain on 56 points, way off the table toppers.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal would still be top of the league without VAR errors, and there would be no difference in terms of their points from what 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, who’s to say things would’ve been so plain sailing ever since?

All information courtesy of Squawka – correct as of 25/02/2026.