Since its introduction into the Premier League for the 2019/20 season, VAR decisions have commanded their fair share of headlines and controversy.
The debates around the impact it has had on referees, when it is right to intervene and the effect that prolonged decisions have on supporters’ enjoyment of the sport, continue to rage on across the world.
However, regardless of personal opinions, VAR has had an undeniable impact through the officials’ newfound ability to award marginal offsides and handballs that would have previously gone unnoticed.
The true influence of VAR can be seen in the non-VAR league table, with Everton and Liverpool experiencing significantly different effects.
Everton currently sit 16th in the table, with the Blues’ poor run of form resulting in Rafa Benitez’s exit and the subsequent appointment of Frank Lampard.
The former Chelsea boss got off to an ideal start with a 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup at the weekend, bringing a positive feel back to Goodison Park.
Though according to the league table without VAR, the Blues would be a massive six points better off - the most in the Premier League - rising to 11th, nine points away from the relegation zone.
For Liverpool, it is a slightly different story.
Jurgen Klopp’s side are still competing in all four competitions but a mixed run of results around the festive period saw the Reds lose ground on Manchester City.
Having performed well in Europe, progressed in the FA Cup and earned a place in the Carabao Cup final, the current nine point gap between themselves and City is the only sour note, albeit with a game in hand.
According to the non-VAR table, Liverpool could be a point better off than they currently are in second place - but crucially Pep Guardiola’s side would also lose a point, bringing Liverpool seven points closer to top spot.
Manchester City: 56
Liverpool: 49
Chelsea: 47
Arsenal: 37
Manchester United: 37
West Ham: 37
Spurs: 35
Wolves: 31
Brighton: 30
Leicester: 27
Everton: 25
Brentford: 25
Aston Villa: 24
Southampton: 24
Crystal Palace: 22
Leeds: 22
Newcastle: 19
Norwich: 16
Burnley: 15
Watford: 11
