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The City Ground, Nottingham, UK. 25th Nov, 2023. Premier League Football, Nottingham Forest versus Brighton and Hove Albion; Referee Anthony Taylor checks the VAR screen before awarding a penalty to Nottingham Forest in the 76th minute

Ranking every Premier League club by how they’ve been affected by VAR in 2023-24

Nestor Watach •

Remember when it was said that the introduction of VAR would reduce controversy in football? Oh, how naive we were…

We’re now into the fifth season of the Premier League using a video assistant referee to help the on-pitch match officials reach the right decisions. Certain issues have been ironed out over time, but in 2023-24 it remains far from perfect.

But which clubs benefit and are most disadvantaged by VAR this season? We’re keeping a rolling tally throughout 2023-24 of every VAR decision and which clubs have been most affected, positively or negatively.

Note: we’ve only included figures that relate to overturned decisions only so do not include VAR referrals that have upheld the officials’ original decisions or controversial calls where VAR didn’t intervene.

Nottingham Forest +5

FOR:

Burnley (H) – September 18th

Burnley forward Lyle Foster had a late would-be match-winner disallowed after VAR replays showed a handball.

Burnley (H) – September 18th

Foster’s night got even worse when he was shown a red card for an off-the-ball elbow on Forest midfielder Ryan Yates.

Liverpool (A) – October 29th

Forest’s blushes were spared when a Cody Gakpo goal was chalked off for an offside in injury time. That kept the score to a respectable(-ish) 3-0 at Anfield.

Brighton (H) – November 25th

Morgan Gibbs-White converted a penalty after VAR intervened to highlight a foul in the box on Callum Hudson-Odoi by Jack Hinshelwood. The spot-kick made it 3-2, but Brighton held out to win.

The decision incensed Lewis Dunk so much that he was dismissed by Anthony Taylor for abusive language.

Tottenham (H) – December 15th

Yves Bissouma was shown a yellow card by referee Jarred Gillett for a strong challenge on Ryan Yates. However, following an on-pitch review, the yellow card was upgraded to red.

Brentford +3

FOR:

Tottenham (H) – August 13th

Thomas Frank’s Bees benefitted when video assistant referee Tony Harrington advised Robert Jones to take a look at a Son Heung-Min challenge on Mathias Jensen.

Jones deemed it a foul, pointed to the spot, and Bryan Mbeumo converted his penalty in the 2-2 draw.

Newcastle (A) – September 16th

Brentford also benefitted from seeing a penalty decision awarded to Newcastle overturned after the video assistants deemed that Mbeumo didn’t commit a handball offence, although that ultimately no bearing on their 1-0 defeat at St. James’ Park.

Arsenal (H) – November 25th

Leandro Trossard thought he’d scored on the stroke of half-time, but the goal was ruled out after VAR highlighted a marginal offside. Arsenal went on to win 1-0 regardless, courtesy of a late Kai Havertz winner.

Fulham +4

FOR:

Manchester United (H) – November 4th

Harry Maguire was offside in the build-up of Scott McTominay’s would-be opener at Craven Cottage. United went on to claim all three points regardless after Bruno Fernandes’ injury-time winner.

Aston Villa (A) – November 11th

Unai Emery’s men were awarded an early penalty for a handball by Timothy Castagne, but the decision was overturned following a VAR check. Villa went on to win 3-1 regardless.

Wolves (H) – November 27th

Willian scored an injury-time match-winning penalty after VAR highlighted a foul by Joao Gomes on Harry Wilson. The contentious decision sparked plenty of debate in the post-match analysis.

Liverpool (A) – December 3rd

Kenny Tete’s equalising goal was allowed after an incorrect offside.

Manchester City +2

FOR: 

Burnley (A) – August 11th

The first VAR decision of the 2023-24 campaign to favour Manchester City was a pretty inconsequential one, really.

They were already three goals up with the points secured against Burnley when VAR intervened to advise referee Craig Pawson to look at the pitchside monitor for a replay of a dangerous Anass Zaroury lunge on Kyle Walker deep into injury time.

Zaroury was then dismissed as Pawson changed his original decision.

Man Utd (A) – October 29th

Pep Guardiola’s men further benefitted when a VAR call resulted in a penalty for their opener in their 3-0 win over Manchester City after it was deemed Rasmus Hojlund felled Rodri.

A contentious one.

Bournemouth +1

FOR:

Aston Villa (H) – December 3rd

Diego Carlos’ goal against the Cherries was disallowed for offside against Lucas Digne.

Luton Town +1

FOR:

Crystal Palace (H) – November 25th

It took until late November for newly-promoted Luton to see VAR get involved either way. It was to their benefit, with Odsonne Edouard’s would-be opener for Crystal Palace ruled out for a handball. The Hatters went on to win 2-1.

West Ham +1

For:

Wolves (H) – December 17th

VAR ruled out a Wolves goal for offside following a lengthy check.

 

Chelsea – 0

FOR:

Liverpool (H) – August 13th

The tone was set for Chelsea’s VAR-heavy 2023-24 campaign back in August, when Mohamed Salah’s goal – that would’ve put Liverpool two goals up at Stamford Bridge – was disallowed for a tight offside.

Arsenal (H) – October 21st

Pochettino’s Blues then benefitted when VAR intervened to award a penalty for a William Saliba penalty for their opening goal in their 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Tottenham (A) – November 6th

Chelsea’s 4-1 victory away to Tottenham was chock-full of controversy and stoppages. But there were only two VAR overturns – one benefitting either side – with the first disallowing Raheem Sterling’s goal for handball.

Brighton (H) – December 3rd

VAR reversed the onfield decision to award Brighton a penalty after replays showed the ball hit Levi Colwill’s head rather than his outstretched arm.

AGAINST:

Liverpool (H) – August 13th

Ten minutes after Salah’s disallowed goal, Chilwell thought he’d put the Blues ahead – but the left-back had just leaned an inch or two beyond last man Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Aston Villa (H) – September 24th

Malo Gusto was booked originally for a challenge on his French compatriot Lucas Digne, but it was upgraded to a red after referee Jarred Gillett was advised to take another look at the pitchside monitor.

“It was in front of me but I didn’t see it back – we need to trust the referee and VAR,” Mauricio Pochettino responded.

Tottenham (A) – November 6th

In the aftermath of Sterling’s offside goal, replays showed that Cristian Romero had caught his Argentina team-mate Enzo Fernandez with a late and reckless challenge inside the penalty area. The VAR check resulted in a penalty, converted by Cole Palmer, and Romero being dismissed.

Manchester United (A) – December 6th

VAR overturned Chris Kavanagh’s on-pitch decision to award Manchester United a penalty following a foul from Enzo Fernandez on Antony. Although Bruno Fernandes failed to convert the penalty.

 

 

 

Everton – 0 

FOR:

Arsenal (H) – September 17th

Gabriel Martinelli’s early opener for Arsenal at Goodison Park was disallowed after VAR replays showed the Brazilian was offside. The Gunners went on to win 1-0 anyway.

Liverpool (A) – October 21st

And Sean Dyche’s men looked set to earn a battling point at Anfield until Liverpool were awarded a second-half penalty via a VAR check.

AGAINST:

Brighton (H) – November 4th

Lewis Dunk scored a would-be early equaliser but it was ruled out for offside following a VAR check. The game eventually ended up 1-1.

Manchester United (H) – November 26th

Anthony Martial was initially booked for a dive by John Brooks, but replays showed he was caught by his former team-mate Ashley Young.

After a monitor check, the yellow card was rescinded and a spot-kick was awarded – Marcus Rashford stepped up to score their second of a 3-0 win.

Crystal Palace 0

FOR:

Aston Villa (A) – September 16th

Moussa Diaby goal disallowed for an offside. Later in the game the referee Darren England stuck with his original call after being advised by VAR to take a second look at a Chris Richards foul on Ollie Watkins.

Liverpool (H) – December 9th

Referee John Brooks took an age to give a penalty against Jarell Quansah, but VAR was used to overturn his initial decision to play on.

AGAINST: 

Newcastle (A) – October 21st

Jacob Murphy’s early goal was flagged for offside, but subsequent VAR replays showed that there was no infringement and the goal stood.

Luton (A) – November 25th

Odsonne Edouard’s goal was disallowed after a handball was spotted by VAR.

Newcastle – 0

FOR:

Brentford (H) – September 16th

Eddie Howe’s Magpies were given a second penalty in their home match against Brentford, but it was overturned after the original handball decision was deemed erroneous. Newcastle could’ve doubled their lead but held on to win 1-0 regardless.

AGAINST:

Crystal Palace (H) – October 21st

Newcastle then had a VAR call go in their favour after Jacob Murphy’s opener against Crystal Palace was flagged for offside – VAR replays showed there was no infringement and the goal was given.

Tottenham -1

FOR:

Liverpool (H) – September 30th

Curtis Jones’ red card for a reckless challenge on Yves Bissouma.

Chelsea (H) – November 6th

Raheem Sterling goal disallowed for handball.

Aston Villa (H) – November 26th

Son Heung-min had three goals disallowed for offside in Spurs’ 2-1 home defeat to Villa, but all were flagged by the linesman at the time and confirmed as the correct decisions via VAR.

The only overturn went in Tottenham’s favour, with an Ollie Watkins goal not flagged off but eventually chalked off following a VAR check.

AGAINST:

Brentford (A) – August 13th

Bryan Mbeumo’s penalty was awarded following a VAR check on a foul on Mathias Jensen by Son Heung-Min.

Arsenal (A) – September 24th

Bukayo Saka’s penalty in September’s 2-2 north London derby draw was awarded following a VAR check on a Cristian Romero handball.

Chelsea (H) – November 6th

Shortly after the Sterling goal was disallowed, a VAR check resulted in a Chelsea penalty (scored by Cole Palmer) after replays showed Cristian Romero caught Enzo Fernandez with a late and reckless challenge.

It would have been interesting to see whether Romero might have got away with it had Sterling’s goal stood and the penalty (which happened just before, in the same passage of play) was never given.

Nottingham Forest (A) – December 15th

Yves Bissouma’s yellow card was upgraded to red following an on-pitch review.

 

Arsenal -1

FOR:

Manchester United (H) – September 3rd

Alejandro’s late goal was disallowed for a very close offside, following an ingenious piece of defending by Gabriel Magalhaes (see below).

Tottenham (H) – September 24th

Romero handball – penalty converted by Bukayo Saka.

Sheffield United (H) – October 28th

A late, somewhat inconsequential penalty in a comfortable win. The spot-kick was converted by Fabio Vieira after replays showed Oliver Norwood fouled him.

AGAINST:

Manchester United (H) – September 3rd

A penalty was awarded for an Aaron Wan-Bissaka foul on Kai Havertz, but the decision was overturned following VAR intervention.

Everton (A) – September 17th

Gabriel Martinelli goal disallowed due to Eddie Nketiah being offside in the build-up.

Chelsea (A) – October 21st

William Saliba handball – penalty scored by Cole Palmer

Brentford (A) – November 25th

Leandro Trossard disallowed for a tight offside call.

 

Sheffield United -1

AGAINST:

Arsenal (A) – October 28th

The first and only VAR overturn in a Blades match this season was one that didn’t especially matter – a penalty conceded away to Arsenal for the fourth goal of a 5-0 loss.

Wolves -2

AGAINST:

Fulham (A) – November 27th

There’s been plenty of controversy with the officiating in Wolves matches this season, but only one VAR intervention – that went against them – for a foul on Harry Wilson by Joao Gomes, which resulted in an injury-time winner (scored by Willian) from the penalty spot.

“Maybe tonight has finally turned me against VAR,” Gary O’Neil told Sky Sports.

“The impact that you are having on my reputation, and the club and people’s livelihoods is massive. We should be able to talk about the game and not decisions, but unfortunately we can’t.

“I think it is a really complex [issue]. I have always been for VAR but I think it is causing problems at the moment. I think VAR has cost us there.”

West Ham (A) – December 17th

Wolves thought they had got themselves back in the game when Pablo Sarabia had the ball in the back of the net, but after a lengthy VAR review, the goal was ruled out for offside.

Liverpool -2

FOR:

Chelsea (A) – August 13th

Chilwell goal called offside.

Everton (H) – October 21st

A crucial penalty, given for a Michael Keane handball, in their Merseyside derby victory.

AGAINST:

Chelsea (A) – August 13th

Salah goal called offside.

Tottenham (A) – September 30th

VAR intervened for Curtis Jones’ straight red card for a foul on Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma.

Nottingham Forest (H) – October 29th

Gakpo’s injury-time goal was ruled out for offside – though it was ultimately relatively meaningless in a comfortable win.

Crystal Palace (A) – December 9th

Referee John Brooks took an age to give a penalty against Jarell Quansah, but VAR was used to overturn his initial decision to play on.

READ: The Premier League’s 14 VAR howlers so bad that the refs had to apologise ft. Arsenal, Liverpool…

Brighton -2

FOR:

Manchester United (A) – September 16th

Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying Seagulls benefitted from VAR intervening to disallow a Manchester United equaliser after replays showed that the ball had gone out of play – just – before Marcus Rashford assisted Rasmus Hojlund. That would’ve made it 1-1 at Old Trafford but they went on to win 3-1.

AGAINST:

Everton (A) – November 4th

Dunk’s aforementioned offside equaliser.

Nottingham Forest (A) – November 25th

The penalty given away by Jack Hinshelwood for a foul on Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Chelsea (A) – December 3rd

Brighton were awarded a penalty in the 10th minute of additional time at the end of the game for a suspected Levi Colwill handball. VAR then reversed this decision as replays showed the ball hit the defender’s head rather than his outstretched arm.

Aston Villa -2

FOR:

Chelsea (A) – September 24th

Chelsea’s Malo Gusto was sent off following a VAR check on a foul on Lucas Digne. They went on to score and win 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.

“I thought it was definitely a yellow card but I’m not sure about the red card,” match-winner Ollie Watkins admitted in his post-match interview.

AGAINST:

Fulham (H) – November 11th

Penalty award overturned following a Castagne handball

Tottenham (A) – November 26th

Ollie Watkins’ first-half goal disallowed for offside. Villa went on to win 2-1 regardless.

Bournemouth (A) – December 3rd

Diego Carlos had the ball in the back of the net in the first half, but VAR disallowed the goal for a tight offside call.

Burnley -2

FOR:

Manchester United (H) – September 23rd

Jonny Evans’ goal disallowed after Rasmus Hojlund was found to be offside.

AGAINST: 

Manchester City (H) – August 11th

Anass Zaroury’s red card for a late challenge on Kyle Walker.

“It’s a striker trying to make a tactical foul, tackling with the technique of a striker unfortunately,” Kompany said.

“No complaints, the technique was wrong and it could have been bad.

“I don’t think in the end he touches him too hard, it’s not full contact, it’s not a leg breaker, but it could have been a bad tackle and you have to accept the consequences.”

Nottingham Forest (H) – September 18th

The Clarets subsequently fell victim to two further VAR interventions in their 1-1 away to Nottingham Forest. Lyle Foster had a goal disallowed for a handball in the build-up.

Nottingham Forest (H) – September 18th

A short while later the South African was dismissed after replays picked up violent conduct.

As with Zaroury, Foster has also been served a three-match ban.

Man Utd -2

FOR:

Arsenal (A) – September 3rd

A penalty was awarded for an Aaron Wan-Bissaka foul on Kai Havertz, but the decision was overturned following VAR intervention.

Everton (A) – November 26th

Martial’s yellow card cancelled and a penalty awarded after VAR replays showed contact in the area from Ashley Young. Marcus Rasford scored.

Chelsea (H) – December 6th

VAR overturned Chris Kavanagh’s on-pitch decision to award United a penalty following a foul from Enzo Fernandez on Antony. However, Bruno Fernandes failed to convert the penalty.

AGAINST:

Arsenal (A) – September 3rd

Alejandro Garnacho’s goal at The Emirates would have put United ahead late on. But he had strayed a matter of millimetres offside and Arsenal went on to win.

Brighton (H) – September 16th

Mere centimetres then denied Hojlund his first United goal, a would-be equaliser against Brighton after the ball went marginally out of play before Marcus Rashford’s cross.

Burnley (A) – September 23rd

Jonny Evans’ goal against Burnley was chalked off due to Hojlund being stood in an offside position, but the Northern Ireland international went on to assist as United won 1-0 at Turf Moor regardless.

Man City (H) – October 29th

Manchester United then suffered the misfortune of conceding a penalty against City for a Rasmus Hojlund foul on Rodri – a call that prompted lots of debate.

Fulham (A) – November 4th

Harry Maguire was offside in Scott McTominay’s goal at Craven Cottage. Disallowed.

READ NEXT: 6 classic Premier League goals that wouldn’t have been given with VAR

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