Arsenal would still have become Premier League champions if the division did not employ VAR, according to research by AceOdds. The Gunners would have edged Manchester City on goal difference without video assistant referee intervention.
Arsenal's Title Win Without VAR
Mikel Arteta's side secured the title with a game to spare this season, upgrading from perennial runners-up to deserved champions. Despite accusations of 'VARsenal' following controversial decisions, such as West Ham being denied a goal that ensured Arsenal earned three points, the research suggests the north Londoners would have triumphed regardless.
Surprises in the Table
Tottenham would have comfortably stayed up, finishing nine points clear of the relegation zone, rather than requiring three points on the final day. The Lilywhites survived thanks to Joao Palhinha's effort in a win over Everton.
West Ham would have avoided relegation, with Nottingham Forest instead joining Burnley and Wolves in the bottom three. The Irons' 3-0 win over Leeds would have seen them survive, while Forest would have been sent down after drawing with Bournemouth on the final day.
Chelsea would have seen their disastrous season end even worse, descending into the bottom half without VAR. Their final day opponents, Sunderland, would have enjoyed a strong Premier League survival but dropped to 13th, behind local rivals Newcastle.
Bournemouth would have leapfrogged Liverpool to claim fifth place and Europa League qualification, with the Anfield side enduring a bigger comedown from winning the league in 2025.
Reactions
Liverpool boss Arne Slot admitted after a final day draw with Brentford that Champions League qualification was the minimum for the Reds. Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, wants his side to use their title win as momentum to achieve more, saying: "We are the champions and that brings a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy."
