Premier League without VAR: Liverpool in a relegation half with Manchester United slipping down the table
If VAR did not exist, Liverpool would be in a relegation battle.
And Tottenham would enter the top four ahead of Manchester United.
This is the outcome of an old-fashioned Premier League table, one in which key decisions are NOT determined by video replays.
ESPN compiled an alternate Premier League table, reducing Arsenal’s lead over champions Manchester City from five to three points.
However, the primary drama comes after that.
Spurs would advance from fifth to third, knocking United out of the Champions League qualification spots.
In contrast, Liverpool would suffer the most.
Thanks to VAR, Jurgen Klopp’s underachievers are only ninth instead of eleventh and only six points above the relegation zone.
In fact, Liverpool has gained SIX points from video-replay decisions, the most of any team.
Following Aston Villa with four points are United, Brentford, and Crystal Palace with three.
Leeds are the biggest VAR losers with five points.
Three points would be deducted from Pep Guardiola’s City and West Ham, and two from Brighton and Everton.
Obviously, this depends on the fact that no other goals are scored following the video reviews.
And that is somewhat improbable.
Nonetheless, it suggests VAR has had a significant impact.
The video benefits of Liverpool’s otherwise gloomy campaign featured three enormous incidents.
In October’s 3-3 draw with Brighton, which was highlighted by Leandro Trossard’s hat-trick, VAR allowed one of Roberto Firmino’s two goals after it was initially ruled out for offside against Mo Salah.
In October, City’s Phil Foden had a goal disallowed due to an Erling Haaland foul on Fabinho as the Reds won 1-0 at Anfield.
And just two weeks ago, Kai Havertz’s early goal was disallowed for offside in a 0-0 draw with Chelsea at Anfield that benefited neither side.
Premier League without VAR: Liverpool in a relegation half with Manchester United slipping down the table
