Newcastle United has benefited the most from overturned VAR decisions in the Premier League this season. Manchester City and Brighton are unlikely to be fans of the technology. A review of all 54 decisions referred to the Video Assistant Referee in the competition thus far has revealed which clubs have received the most favourable verdicts. VAR determines whether goals should stand by reviewing replays for offside or fouls in the build-up. Whether penalties should be awarded and whether red cards should be issued.
Newcastle United received six overturned VAR decisions in the Premier League this season.
According to the ESPN league table, Newcastle, chasing a top-four finish under Eddie Howe, has had six VAR decisions in their favour and one against them thus far. These include Miguel Almiron’s goal against Manchester City in August. Originally disallowed for offside and goals, Wolves and Brentford thought they scored against the Toon. Tyrick Mitchell’s own goal in a goalless draw with Crystal Palace in September was ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
According to the study, Brentford is also ‘up’ thanks to four VAR decisions in their favour. The most recent example came Monday’s 3-1 win over Liverpool. While Ben Mee’s goal was ruled out for offside after a VAR review, the technology worked in their favour when Darwin Nunez’s effort was disallowed in the second half.
On the other hand, Brighton has been ‘down’ four VAR decisions this season, more than anyone else. The only VAR decision that went in their favour was a penalty award at Fulham in August, but all five referrals have gone against them since then.
The most recent example was Kaoru Mitoma’s goal against leaders Arsenal on New Year’s Eve, which was disallowed for offside. The Gunners lead the table by five points but have had more VAR decisions overturned against them than for them. In contrast, Brighton’s disallowed goal favoured them. A penalty awarded for handball against West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell was reversed on Boxing Day.
Manchester City’s closest rivals have had four decisions overturned. Including a goal, Phil Foden thought he scored in their defeat at Liverpool in October. VAR replays revealed Erling Haaland’s foul on Fabinho.
