Designed to help referees correct clear and obvious mistakes in goals, penalties, red cards, and cases of mistaken identity, VAR was expected to improve decision-making across the top flight.
However, as the 2025/26 season unfolds, the conversation continues around whether the system is helping or hindering the flow and fairness of the game.
With data compiled from Squawka and fan polls conducted on X (formerly Twitter), a new Premier League table has been created that removes the influence of confirmed VAR mistakes made so far this season.
The alternative table assumes penalties wrongly not awarded would have been scored and includes decisions that either wrongly disallowed or allowed goals, among other key incidents.
Despite a few errors benefitting them, the current bottom three clubs remain unchanged in the table without VAR mistakes.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, sitting at the foot of the table with just two points, saw one major call go their way—Yerson Mosquera avoiding a red card in their 1-0 loss to Newcastle—but it didn’t affect their overall standing. ..Continue Reading
West Ham United were also the beneficiaries of a VAR mistake when Tottenham had a goal ruled out for a push on Kyle Walker-Peters. However, this decision also didn’t change their league position, and they remain in 19th with four points.
15. Brentford – 6 points 16. Leeds United – 6 points 17. Nottingham Forest – 5 points 18. Burnley – 4 points 19. West Ham United – 4 points 20. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 2 points
Burnley and Nottingham Forest have both been involved in controversial VAR calls this season, but their positions in the relegation zone also remain unchanged.
Leeds United, on the other hand, have slightly benefited from VAR mistakes, earning two extra points that currently keep them in 15th. Without VAR interference, they would be sitting in 16th, just above Brentford, who would have moved up one place.
Mid-Table Shifts
Some clubs in the lower half of the table saw their positions change slightly due to VAR decisions.
Aston Villa, currently enduring a rough patch, have had two decisions go in their favour and none against them. Still, removing those helps only slightly, moving them from 13th to 14th.
Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion are among the clubs negatively affected. Manchester United would drop two spots, from 10th to 12th, had VAR errors not occurred.
A major incident involved Nathan Collins not being sent off for a last-man challenge on Bryan Mbeumo. Fulham are the biggest losers from VAR decisions so far.
They sit 14th in the real table but would rise to 11th without incorrect calls. One of the major blunders involved a disallowed goal by Josh King against Chelsea, wrongly chalked off due to a supposed foul by Rodrigo Muniz.
11. Fulham – 10 points 12. Manchester United – 10 points 13. Brighton & Hove Albion – 9 points 14. Aston Villa – 9 points
Top Half Changes
Sunderland, in their first season back in the Premier League, have started strong. However, in the table without VAR mistakes, they drop one place—purely due to other teams gaining more from VAR reversals.
Newcastle United would be two points better off without VAR, climbing two spots. One major incident was a denied penalty to Nick Woltemade during a goalless draw against Bournemouth.
Chelsea have benefitted from VAR, currently sitting one place higher than they would be otherwise. The Blues are the only team to have had three decisions go in their favour.
Everton, despite their impressive start, are slightly worse off due to VAR errors. They would gain one point and rise one position without them. A key mistake involved a late penalty given against them in their loss to Leeds.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth and Manchester City both lose ground without VAR. Bournemouth would drop two places from fourth to sixth, while City, who have had VAR go in their favour more than against them, would also drop two places.
5. Manchester City – 13 points 6. Bournemouth – 13 points 7. Everton – 12 points 8. Chelsea – 12 points 9. Newcastle United – 11 points 10. Sunderland – 11 points
The Top Four Shuffle
In the revised standings, Crystal Palace would move up two spots into third place after two VAR mistakes went against them. Without those, they’d be two points better off.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are the club that has benefited the most from VAR in the Premier League this season. Without VAR errors, the Gunners would fall from third to eighth.
One early example was their season-opening win over Manchester United, where William Saliba was lucky not to concede a penalty.
Tottenham and Liverpool also benefit from a VAR-less league. Spurs, now managed by Thomas Frank, would rise from third to second, while Liverpool would take top spot, swapping places with Arsenal.
1. Liverpool – 15 points 2. Tottenham Hotspur – 14 points 3. Crystal Palace – 14 points 4. Arsenal – 14 points
While VAR was introduced to eliminate major officiating errors, its influence continues to generate debate.
The adjusted 2025/26 Premier League table shows just how much of an impact a few key calls can have—some teams have seen their fortunes improve significantly, while others may feel hard done by.
As the season progresses, the role of VAR will remain under scrutiny, especially for teams battling for survival or pushing for European qualification.
The Supercomputer’s updated forecast for the 2025-26 Premier League season sees..Continue Reading
Arsenal crowned champions, with Liverpool trailing by seven points and Manchester City settling for third.
Following the first seven rounds of the campaign, the Supercomputer powered by Plejmo has recalibrated its expectations for the final standings.
Last season, while many anticipated Manchester City’s dominance, it was Liverpool under Arne Slot who stormed to their 20th English league title, reclaiming their historic status.
Arsenal secured second place for the third consecutive season, and Pep Guardiola’s squad rallied late to finish third. Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest stunned with European qualification, while Tottenham and Manchester United endured historically poor seasons.
Now, fresh simulations have been run based on the fixture list and early performances. Here’s how the table is projected to shape up:
Relegation Zone
– Burnley are expected to finish bottom with 33 points.
– Wolves, still winless after seven games, are predicted to concede 78 goals and land in 19th.
– West Ham, under Nuno Espirito Santo, are tipped for 18th with 40 points.
Survival looks likely for Leeds United and Sunderland, both sitting on 41 points, with Brentford narrowly above the drop zone.
Bottom Half
– Manchester United remain troubled under Ruben Amorim, projected to finish 14th with 43 points.
– Fulham are expected to replicate last season’s 13th-place finish.
– Everton, despite new ownership and signings like Jack Grealish, are forecasted to land in 12th.
– Brighton & Hove Albion, led by Fabian Hurzeler, are predicted to drop to 11th.
Top Half
– Nottingham Forest, now under Ange Postecoglou, are projected to fall to 10th.
– Aston Villa could climb to 9th, despite early struggles.
– Newcastle United, even after losing Alexander Isak, are expected to finish 8th.
– Bournemouth, under Andoni Iraola, are tipped for 7th and a Europa Conference League spot.
– Crystal Palace, guided by Oliver Glasner, are forecasted to finish 6th, securing Europa League qualification.
– Tottenham, rebounding from last season’s 17th-place, are projected to finish 5th.
Top Four
– Chelsea, under Todd Boehly’s leadership, are predicted to finish 4th, just one point above fifth.
– Manchester City are expected to settle for 3rd, with Erling Haaland in strong form.
– Liverpool, despite record-breaking signings like Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, are forecasted to finish 2nd.
– Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, are projected to win the league with 90 points, finally ending a two-decade title drought.
Everton are reportedly lining up a sensational swoop for Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus, with the Brazilian expected to be available for around £25-30 million next year, according to AS Roma Live.
The 28-year-old has struggled for consistent game time at the Emirates following the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres this summer. With Kai Havertz also ahead of him in the pecking order, Jesus looks set to move on in search of regular football.
Why Jesus to Everton makes sense
For Everton, this could be a golden opportunity. The Toffees have lacked firepower in the final third and securing a proven Premier League forward like Jesus could transform their attack. Having already enjoyed success with Manchester City and Arsenal, the Brazilian brings not only goals but also creativity and versatility across the front three.
Sean Dyche’s men are desperate to climb back into the top half of the table, and an experienced striker with Jesus’ pedigree could be the difference-maker. His ability to link play, press from the front, and create openings for teammates makes him far more than just a poacher.
A bargain opportunity?
At £25-30 million, Jesus represents a potentially shrewd piece of business. Despite recent struggles, he remains a proven match-winner when fit and confident. For Everton, it could be the kind of marquee signing that lifts the entire squad.
The bigger picture
While European clubs are also monitoring the situation, the lure of staying in the Premier League could work in Everton’s favour. Arsenal, meanwhile, are open to cashing in as they reshape their forward line around Gyökeres.
For Gabriel Jesus, Goodison Park could offer the perfect stage to reignite his career. For Everton, it might just be the move that changes their attacking fortunes.
Everton and West Ham United are reportedly preparing moves for Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma in the upcoming January transfer window. According to Football Insider, both clubs see the 29-year-old Malian international as an ideal reinforcement in the holding midfield role.
Bissouma has struggled to cement his place at Spurs since arriving from Brighton & Hove Albion in a £25 million deal back in 2022. Despite showing glimpses of quality, the midfielder has found himself on the fringes of the squad, with Tottenham ready to offload him after a failed exit during the summer.
Bissouma’s Tottenham Struggles
Once regarded as one of the Premier League’s most dynamic ball-winners, Bissouma has failed to replicate his Brighton form in North London. Over 100 appearances later, he has just a single goal to his name and has reportedly fallen out of favour due to attitude concerns. With no long-term future at Spurs, the upcoming window could finally provide him the fresh start he craves.
Why Everton and West Ham Want Him
For Everton, the need is clear. With Idrissa Gueye nearing the twilight of his career, Sean Dyche’s side are desperate for a reliable anchor in midfield. Bissouma’s energy and Premier League experience make him a logical target.
West Ham, meanwhile, are also keeping close tabs. The Hammers face uncertainty over Guido Rodriguez’s future, leaving a potential gap in their midfield. Adding a player of Bissouma’s calibre could bolster their depth and maintain competitiveness across domestic and European campaigns.
What’s Next for Bissouma?
As January approaches, the race for Bissouma’s signature looks set to heat up. Everton and West Ham both present tempting options for the Malian, who is eager to revive his career in England. Whether it’s Merseyside or East London, a Premier League switch seems increasingly likely.
Ruben Amorim has hinted Benjamin Sesko will start in the Manchester Derby tomorrow.
The Manchester United head coach was facing the media in the embargoed section of the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match.
Asked about Sesko, he said:
“Maybe against City, it is a good moment for him to start the game.”
The subject then moved to Kobbie Mainoo and the fact the young star came close to leaving in the summer.
“And sometimes I think for some guys it’s enough. For him, it’s not enough. Maybe it’s not fair, but I think I’m helping Kobbie Mainoo and that’s it.
He will have opportunities like the other guys. If I feel during the week that he’s the best player to play, he’s going to play and I proved that already to every player here.
“I believe a lot in him. I have the same thing [opinion] that you have and that is a top, top player, but he can be so much better, so I’m focused on that.”
“I believe a lot in Kobbie. But some of you think Kobbie is done, but I think he can be so much better.
“He is a top, top player, but I think he can be better than that.”
The head coach was asked what he feels Mainoo needs to improve to earn a regular place in the side.
“I think he needs the technical ability he has, but more pace,” he replied. “He needs to understand the position better, to play in different speeds. Sometimes it’s lower, sometimes it’s faster. I think he can improve on that.”
Amorim’s comments in the first section of the presser can be read here.
Roughly 3,000 visiting supporters take up their place in the bottom corner of the Anfield Road End every other week in the Premier League, but some are noisier (and sounder) than others.
Factoring in general volume, chant creativity and class, here’s our guide to the best and worst away fans the top flight has to offer…
I quite enjoy that they appear to have leaned into their reputation as upper-class train snack enjoyers, but when the whistle goes, they might as well not be there.
18. Burnley
I haven’t got much for this one, sorry! Very football league, very on brand.
Their fans had a go when they gave us a little scare in February, but it’s never been a fixture that feels you with much dread.
17. Chelsea
They’ve got more songs about Steven Gerrard than we have which, given the success they’ve enjoyed since 2005, smacks of insecurity.
Of the traditional ‘big six’ clubs, they’ve definitely got the least about them as far as travelling support is concerned.
16. Bournemouth
The novelty of their almighty climb up the English football pyramid appears to have worn off as they have been pretty tame upon recent jaunts to L4.
There is plenty to like about Bournemouth and their fans have always been gracious towards us, but aside from their Dominic Solanke chant of a few years ago, I’m not sure I could name you a Bournemouth song.
15. Tottenham
They’ve been present at two of the biggest days of our lives and, judging by how long they stayed behind when we won the league, they didn’t seem to mind!
A couple of decent songs and relatively inoffensive, this seems a fair enough place to put them.
14. Wolves
They get very noisy and angry if a VAR decision goes against them because they’re convinced it was designed to ruin their lives.
They do have a few catchy tunes, and then there’s the ones they’ve not copied from us.
13. Arsenal
Speaking of pinching songs!
Real-life Arsenal fans should by no means be tarred with the same brush as those you encounter online, but their sub-par Anfield record across the last decade seems to have left a few scars.
For all his flaws, Mikel Arteta has raised the bar at the Emirates somewhat. Whether that translates on the road with some proper silverware remains to be seen. We might never find out, at this rate!
12. West Ham
Certainly not as good or as important as they seem to think they are, but also one of the capital’s louder sets of fans, in fairness.
Judging by their team over the first couple of weeks of the season, though, we might get a little break from them after this season!
11. Man City
While their home support lends itself to jibes and stadium nicknames like ‘The Emptihad’, the core group of matchgoing Man City supporters appear to have survived the Sheikh Mansour revolution and all its ill-fated cultural trimmings.
They are by no means the nicest bunch, but they do know how to make themselves heard, more than making up the numbers at some of the Premier League‘s greatest-ever clashes.
You won’t catch me doing the Poznan nonsense at Oasis later this month, though.
10. Sunderland
It has been far too long since the Mackems have rocked up to the Anfield Road End and, if I’m honest, I’ve had to dig deep into the memory bank in order to afford them a fair rating.
It will be no picnic when they arrive in December, but for me, they have always been slightly dwarfed by their northeast neighbours.
They won’t like to hear that, don’t grass me up!
9. Aston Villa
On their day, Aston Villa fans are among the best in the division.
For whatever reason, it has been a little more hit and miss in recent years. Still, the evidence has been sufficient to land them a top half place on this occasion.
8. Brentford
Unacquainted observers might reasonably assume singing about your own team comes as a prerequisite, but the Brentford faithful are a breath of fresh air in that regard.
Still basking in the glory of jumping two divisions in less than a decade and locking down a stable top-flight slot, the Bees are among the most likeable supporters in the league.
7. Everton
It is difficult to compare those turning up for a derby to those attending on more ‘normal’ occasions, though the pre-determined misery often inflicted upon them at Anfield isn’t particularly conducive to showing defiance across the park.
That grown adults still turn their backs towards YNWA is in fact really funny, but the 3,000 that made the short trip prior to the Bramley Moore move certainly haven’t left quite the same footprint on proceedings that tended to hamper us at the Old Lady.
6. Nottingham Forest
One of the loudest sets of away fans in the league, sometimes let down by chants that ought to be beneath them.
The banner condemning tragedy chanting presented at our home meeting in 2023 was certainly a welcome step in the right direction.
5. Man United
It pains me to do this, but it is hard to deny that our Mancunian neighbours travel better than most.
While the fun continues to be drained by Jim Ratcliffe (and long may that continue, by the way), Man United supporters continue to show up and make themselves known – certainly more than the players, anyway!
They remained in the ground during that famous 7-0 whooping a lot longer than I would have done in their shoes.
It might be a while before we see them this high up an actual table, so I suppose we should give them something!
4. Newcastle
They have become a bit annoying and picked up ideas above their station since coming into wealth, but this is unquestionably one of the most passionate fanbases in the entire country.
It would appear being topless or sporting an official club jersey are the only two acceptable methods of meeting the dress code, but the noise certainly offsets some of the weirdness.
3. Brighton
It is difficult to find much to dislike about Brighton.
Their fans are great. They have built a top-flight team about as organically as the 21st century will permit and, I’ll say it again, they sing about their own team. Plus points for that, always.
2. Leeds
Not especially pleasant, but Leeds fans will always bring the noise and their showing during the 6-0 thrashing in 2022 has always stuck with me.
Like them or loathe them, Leeds are a club that belong in the Premier League and it will be an occasion, one way or another, when we welcome them back to Anfield over Christmas.
1. Crystal Palace
If Liverpool ceased to exist and I had to pick another Premier League team to care about, I think I’d go with Crystal Palace.
A really good bunch. No club deserved the day they had at Wembley in May more than they did and they bring the pugnacious, vibrant energy from Selhurst Park every time they come.
I’ll say it one more time, they sing about their own team and that goes a long way in this day and age. You won’t hear any of the usual nonsense from them, proper football club.
Speaking ahead of the new campaign, Slot expressed strong confidence that..Continue Reading
the Blues will be serious contenders for the title, potentially going toe-to-toe with his own Liverpool side.
Chelsea, under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, finished fourth last season and lifted both the UEFA Conference League and the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
Their summer has been equally impressive, with a £250 million investment bringing in talents like Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, Jorrel Hato, and Liam Delap
Slot believes this spending spree, combined with Maresca’s tactical acumen, has positioned Chelsea as one of the teams to watch.
“I expected them to win last season already,” Slot told talkSPORT, highlighting Chelsea’s strong start and their presence in the title race through the first half of the campaign.
‘The amount of quality they have and they were there at the start of the season. They were in [the title race] after ten games. They were still there [in December].
‘Squad depth, quality, they have a very good manager as well, and I think they’ve shown this by winning the trophies they won last season.
‘It was good for us that they also had a period last season where they struggled and that’s why they couldn’t compete till the end for the league title
‘But now they’re strengthening the team again, so a team that’s, in my opinion, one of the ones that are going to challenge for a league title.’
He praised their squad depth, quality, and managerial leadership, noting that their mid-season dip was the only reason they didn’t push Liverpool all the way.
Slot’s remarks are not just flattery—they reflect a growing sentiment among pundits that Chelsea are emerging from a period of transition with renewed strength.
Their ability to compete across multiple competitions last season, coupled with strategic reinforcements, suggests they’re ready to climb higher in the league standings.
While Liverpool remain favorites to defend their crown, Slot’s recognition of Chelsea as a genuine threat adds intrigue to the title race. It’s a clear message: the Blues are no longer rebuilding—they’re ready to contend.
As Chelsea prepare to kick off their season against Crystal Palace, fans will be eager to see if Slot’s prediction holds true. One thing’s certain: the battle at the top is about to get even more intense.
Wayne Rooney has expressed optimism about Manchester United’s prospects for the upcoming season, suggesting they’re poised for noticeable improvement under Ruben Amorim.
a fifth-place finish in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, while tipping Liverpool to successfully defend their crown.
Rooney also emphasized the need for United to reinforce their midfield with a commanding presence to enhance their control in matches and push the team forward.
He said on the BBC: “I think they still need one or two more signings but I can see what Amorim is doing. It’s looking better for Man United and I think they will sneak into the top five. I hope they do and you never know.”
Rooney added: “I still would like to see them sign a solid midfield player who is going to help control games for them, but also build up play. I’d still like one more.
“I think Bruno, I’d like to see him pushed forward and that allows him to go forward and play forward more.”
Manchester United endured a disappointing campaign last season, ending up in 15th place without any silverware, which has placed immense expectations on manager Ruben Amorim to turn things around.
With over £200 million ($271.5m) invested in new signings during the summer transfer window, patience may run short if Amorim doesn’t produce results quickly.
Following a promising pre-season, United kick off their Premier League journey with a home clash against long-time rivals Arsenal this Sunday.
A loss to Mikel Arteta’s side could deepen the sense of unease that’s been lingering at Old Trafford.
The Video Assistant Referee system was first implemented in the Premier League during the 2019–20 season and has remained a fixture in the game ever since. ..Continue Reading
At present, VAR is authorized to intervene only in situations deemed to have a significant impact on the match.
As outlined by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), VAR involvement is restricted to instances involving penalties, straight red cards, goals or disallowed goals, and cases of mistaken identity — and only when a “clear and obvious error” has occurred.
Also, the “referee must always make a decision, i.e. the referee is not permitted to give ‘no decision’ and then use the VAR to make the decision; a decision to allow play to continue after an alleged offence can be reviewed”.
But how VAR is used could soon change, according to Howard Webb.
In an interview with BBC Sport, the former Premier League and FIFA international referee explained IFAB is reviewing how VAR operates and he is “open to discussion” regarding possible changes.
“There will definitely be discussions around possible extensions,” Webb said.
“We try to align VAR delivery with the expectations of those involved in the English game, based on consultation with fans, coaches and players. The message we get is ‘less is more’ with VAR, and we’ve done pretty well in aligning our delivery with that expectation.”
The 54-year-old then focused on VAR not currently interfering with yellow card calls that are incorrect or missed opportunities for a yellow card, which should be brandished, as well as the awarding of corners.
“I understand the impact of a wrongly awarded corner that’s clearly wrong – easy to see on video – and the impact of a wrongly issued yellow card,” he added.
“But equally, there’s also a feeling that VAR already exists to rectify clear errors in big situations, so we’ll have those discussions and make sure to consult with the English game as well.”
This comes after the ‘eight-second rule’ was approved for use ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Goalkeepers will now have only eight seconds to release the ball, with referees issuing a five-second countdown to warn players.
If a ‘keeper takes longer than the permitted eight seconds, a corner will be awarded to the attacking side.
Eze cemented his place in Palace folklore after scoring the decisive goal in their historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May. ..Continue Reading
He also featured in the squad that lifted the Community Shield on Sunday, with the Eagles twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 against Liverpool before clinching victory in a dramatic penalty shootout — despite Eze missing one of the spot-kicks.
Interest in the 27-year-old has surged, with Arsenal initially leading the chase. However, Tottenham have reignited their pursuit of the playmaker, having cooled their interest earlier in the year — a move that had briefly allowed the Gunners to gain ground.
Spurs had previously targeted Morgan Gibbs-White, but their approach collapsed amid legal threats from Nottingham Forest, despite triggering the midfielder’s release clause.
The situation worsened for Spurs when James Maddison suffered a serious ACL injury during a pre-season draw with Newcastle, and with Dejan Kulusevski still sidelined after knee surgery, the need for a creative midfielder has become urgent.
Eze’s current contract includes a £68 million release clause, which is set to expire on August 15. Neither Arsenal nor Spurs are willing to meet that figure outright, with Arsenal needing to offload players — including Leandro Trossard — before making a formal bid.
However, a lack of interest in the Belgian winger has opened the door for Tottenham to potentially hijack the deal.
Despite Spurs’ renewed push, Arsenal remain in pole position, with reports suggesting Eze favors a move to the Emirates.
Having spent part of his youth career at Arsenal before leaving at 13, a return could be a full-circle moment. Still, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has hinted that Eze is also open to joining Spurs, keeping the race wide open.
“Eberechi Eze, keen on Tottenham move as Palace are informed of his desire to play Champions League football,” Fab posted on his X account.
“Deal now depends on club to club talks but Spurs are seriously working on it, as reported earlier.”
After losing their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding their relegation to the UEFA Conference League on Monday, Crystal Palace could be compelled to offload several key players before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, and Eberechi Eze are among the prominent names rumored to be heading for a potential departure from Selhurst Park this summer.
