How the Premier League table would look WITHOUT the intervention of VAR 

Despite Mikel Arteta’s recent complaints about VAR, his Arsenal side would sit three points behind Manchester City in the Premier League table if it weren’t for the use of technology.

Other big changes would include Liverpool losing five points and Newcastle dropping down to sixth. 

The PGMOL admitted to making a mistake and apologised last weekend after Ivan Toney’s goal against Arsenal stood after VAR failed to spot an offside in the build-up.

Arteta was understandable furious at the decision, and said he would ‘only be satisfied if they give the two points back’ after the game finished 1-1.

While the Gunners may have been let down by the technology on this occasion, its correct use has helped them this season, as they would drop further away from leaders City without it.

If all VAR decisions had not taken place, Pep Guardiola’s side would be three points better off while Arsenal’s tally would remain unchanged.

There would be other marked changes to the league table as well, as Newcastle would drop to sixth while Brighton would be in the Champions League places in fourth.

Despite their below-par performances this season, Liverpool have benefitted more than any other club from VAR and would have five less points without it.

Crystal Palace have gained four points thanks to the technology, and would otherwise be 17th rather than 12th.

Manager-less Leeds would only gain three points, but the effect on clubs would move them away from the relegation zone and up to the relative safety of 15th.

Arteta’s side are one of only four that have had their points tally unaffected by VAR, along with Nottingham Forest, Leicester and Tottenham.

This alternative Premier League table will provide little joy for Arsenal, who have dropped to second in the league for the first time since August after losing 3-1 to City on Wendesday.

While their title race is far from over, they have dropped eight points in three games after dropping just seven in their previous 19, and now face a much tenser end to the season that many expected a month ago.

The Gunners’ drop in form has also come at the worst possible time, with City returning to somewhere near their best after scoring 13 goals in their last five games. 

Third-place Manchester United are also beginning to gel as a team thanks to Marcus Rashford’s recent form, and the Red Devils now sit just five points behind the top two.

Despite the gloom, Arsenal still trail only on goal difference with a game in hand, and will be looking to regain a three point lead when they face Aston Villa on Saturday. 

Speaking after the City loss, Arteta told Prime Video his players would be boosted by the performance. 

‘The atmosphere and performance was really good if you take away giving Man City three goals,’ he said. ‘For the rest I don’t know what I can as they are the best in the world and we matched that level.

‘I have more belief (about winning the title) because I see a team going head to head with them. You have to go to the next one and we have to be at our best, I have belief in my players.’