Fans claim Premier League Table would change if VAR didn’t exist

VAR has become one of the biggest talking points in the Premier League this season, and after just five matchweeks fans – even former striker Wayne Rooney – are calling for the technology to be scrapped. The debate has sparked speculation about how the Premier League Table would look if VAR didn’t exist, a scenario explored by FotMob.

Early controversies fuel the outcry

Outrage erupted after the Manchester derby when a Pro Ref admitted a VAR error in awarding Erling Haaland’s winning goal for Manchester City. The decision ignored Enzo Fernandez’s off‑side interference, a mistake that seemed impossible given the Argentine midfielder’s clear dive for the header. Michael Carrick later said he was ‘worried’ about the number of screens and people supporting those on VAR duty.

Other matches highlight VAR’s impact

Arsenal’s frustration grew when Sunderland were awarded a penalty for a ‘holding offence’ involving Ezri Konsa and Dan Ballard; the spot‑kick was later acknowledged as ‘incorrectly awarded’ despite not being a clear and obvious error. Meanwhile, Coventry City benefit from VAR, turning a 1‑0 win over Nottingham Forest into three points instead of one, keeping them above the bottom of the table.

Tottenham Hotspur move up one place off the bottom, remaining on two points, while Aston Villa would drop to 18th with two points from five games if VAR were absent, despite their 3‑2 victory over Liverpool. Fulham’s position is unchanged at two points, but they would sit above Spurs and Villa in 17th place without the technology.

Hypothetical table without VAR

FotMob’s imagined standings show Sunderland slipping to 16th, losing the point gained from a 1‑1 draw with Brentford that VAR helped secure. Bournemouth would climb two places with four points instead of three, and Ipswich Town would fall to 14th with six points rather than their current 11th‑place spot.

Crystal Palace’s Eagles would rise to 13th on six points, while Manchester United would remain 12th even without the controversial decision that denied them a point against City. Chelsea would drop one place but stay on seven points, illustrating that VAR’s removal would reshuffle positions but not dramatically alter the mid‑table landscape.

As the season progresses, the conversation continues. Fans are asking for a ‘Show’ of what the league could be without VAR, while journalists ‘Give’ their analysis, and commentators ‘Log’ the ongoing debate. The ‘Thread’ of criticism weaves through social media, with many saying, “I’m fed up with VAR’s inconsistencies.” The action now lies with the league’s decision‑makers.