wishing VAR didn’t exist is Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola’s side have done incredibly well to sit fifth at Christmas, but it could’ve been even better for the Cherries as without VAR, they would be four points better off and sat in the top four above Nottingham Forest who have been equally as impressive.
Man City, Leicester and West Ham Among the Biggest Beneficiaries of VAR
West Ham are a total of six points better off
In terms of who VAR has helped the most, the new table shows that there is one clear winner: Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham United, who sit six points better off than Squawka suggest they would be had it not been for the decisions that have gone their way. Man City and Leicester are also among the biggest beneficiaries of the post-decision calls. Ruud van Nistelrooy’s men currently sit in 17th with 14 points, although the results of the research suggest that they should be sitting inside the drop zone.
One decision that the Foxes had in their favour came against Chelsea. Wilfried Ndidi was shown a yellow card for a challenge on Cole Palmer where he stood on his heel. VAR did not overturn the decision, but it was decided that a red card should’ve been awarded by those who voted on the decision via a poll on Squawka’s X account.
Prior to that, VAR helped Leicester walk away with three points in a clash against relegation rivals Southampton. The Foxes ended up coming away from St Mary’s with a 3-2 victory, but the scores could’ve finished level had the Saints been awarded a penalty when Jordan Ayew pulled on Paul Onuachu’s shirt. What makes the decision more interesting was that the visitors were awarded a penalty for a very similar incident between Jamie Vardy and Ryan Fraser.
After the game, then Southampton manager Russell Martin revealed he had received an apology from the referee regarding the decision following a game against Manchester City where he was cautioned for protesting a decision:
“We had an apology last week about a decision that was made that we weren’t given. I didn’t say anything after the game in the press but today I am.”
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Other Big Winners and Losers
Crystal Palace’s league standing hampered by VAR
Crystal Palace vs Wolves
Among the other teams who can feel hard done by are Oliver Glasner-led Crystal Palace. The Eagles have seen three decisions go against them compared to the one that has gone in their favour. Without them, they would be two points better off and sitting more comfortably in 14th. Manchester United, without VAR, would be one point better off after a controversial penalty, converted by Jarrod Bowen, saw West Ham United win the game 2-1. That doesn’t change the fact they have had a dismal campaign.
All three teams in the relegation zone – Ipswich Town, Southampton and Wolverhampton Wanderers – have also had points taken from their grasp, with Kieran McKenna’s side losing three points thanks to Stockley Park being in place. They, however, would still be in the drop zone thanks to their unfavourable goal difference, whereas Wolves would be outside the bottom three.
On the other end of the scale, Brighton can count their blessings as well as Man City, West Ham and Leicester, as the Seagulls would have also lost points if there were no VAR.