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The gap between Arsenal and Liverpool would be significantly different if VAR had not existed in the Premier League this season.
Arsenal had a golden chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool at the weekend with the Reds unable to play their Merseyside derby against Everton due to Storm Darragh.
The Gunners made the short trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday but cut into the seven-point deficit between themselves and Liverpool by just one point in the most dramatic of circumstances as winger Bukayo Saka saw a late winner disallowed for offside.
The infringement, which came at the fault of Gabriel Martinelli in the run-up, had not been spotted by the on-field officials but VAR intervened to cut Arsenal celebrations short. Reacting to that decision, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp labelled it 'the biggest VAR decision of the season so far'.
The former Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur man said: "What a weekend for Liverpool. Man City dropping points, Arsenal dropping points and they've got themselves into an even better position.
"Arne Slot would have had his heart in his mouth watching those final few minutes and the biggest VAR decision of the season so far. It was absolutely incredible but Martinelli just had to keep himself offside."
Fellow former pro turned Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson also reacted to the decision, putting blame on Martinelli for costing his side what would have been a crucial three points in the title race ahead of the busy festive period.
Merson said: "He is offside, but in footballing terms, that's criminal from Martinelli. You cannot be offside. You're looking along the line. He's got pace, so he's not someone who is trying to nick a yard and play right on the edge.
"I'd be surprised if he isn't on the end of one in the dressing room by the manager because even he knows. You could see it on his face after, he knows you can't do that. One thing when you look along that line - do not be offside. It's as simple as that."
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained positive after the match, pointing to his side's 'good momentum' but admitted that the outfit was 'gutted' not to come away from the Cottage with all three points. It's not the first time the Gunners have lost points due to the beady-eyed VAR this season and LondonWorld looks at how the Premier League table would stand if the system simply hadn't existed this term.
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20th - Southampton, 6 points (+1)
VAR had a role to play as the Saints threw away a 2-0 lead against Leicester City. One of the Foxes' three goals came after VAR deemed that Ryan Fraser had pulled Jamie Vardy back, the veteran striker scoring from the spot kick
19th - Ipswich Town, 7 points (-2)
Would have shared a point with Spurs rather than claiming all three if Dominic Solanke’s goal had stood.
18th - Wolves, 10 points (+1)
Wolves would have claimed a point at Manchester City if VAR had not intervened and ruled that John Stones' 95th-minute winner should stand.
17th - Leicester City, 11 points (-3)
Struggling Leicester City would be even worse off without VAR this season.
16th - West Ham, 13 points (-2)
15th - Everton, 14 points
14th - Crystal Palace, 15 points (+2)
The Eagles have not been friends of VAR this season with the system costing them two points.
13th- Newcastle United, 18 points (-2)
The Magpies earned a draw at Bournemouth but only after VAR intervened to rule out a late winner for the home side. Everton also had a goal ruled out by VAR.
12th - Manchester United, 20 points (+1)
The Red Devils would have likely picked up at least an extra point with a draw against Brighton should a Joshua Zirkzee goal have stood. Instead, it was ruled out for offside.
11th- Tottenham Hotspur, 21 points (+1)
Solanke had a goal against Ipswich Town disallowed by VAR.Solanke had a goal against Ipswich Town disallowed by VAR.
Solanke had a goal against Ipswich Town disallowed by VAR. | Getty Images
Would have picked up a point against Ipswich Town if Dominic Solanke's goal had stood.
10th - Fulham, 22 points (-1)
Wouldn't have picked up a point against Arsenal last weekend if Bukayo Saka's goal had stood.
9th - Brentford, 23 points
8th- Brighton, 24 points
7th- Nottingham Forest, 25 points
6th - Aston Villa, 25 points
The Villains were awarded a penalty against Crystal Palace thanks to VAR, but Youri Tielemans saw his spot kick saved anyway.
5th- AFC Bournemouth, 26 points (+2)
It's been an impressive campaign from the Cherries, who would have even more points if VAR wasn't in place.
4th - Manchester City, 25 points (-2)
The Champions would be two points worse off without VAR as the system helped award the John Stones winner against Wolves
3rd - Chelsea, 30 points (-1)
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side has benefitted from VAR this term.Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side has benefitted from VAR this term.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side has benefitted from VAR this term. | Getty Images
The Blues picked up an extra point thanks to VAR spotting that Kai Havertz was offside for Arsenal.
2nd - Arsenal, 33 points (+4)
The Gunners would have an extra four points if Kai Havertz's opener against Chelsea had stood, as well as Bukayo Saka's winner at Craven Cottage.
The league leaders would be two points worse off without VAR this season but would still be top of the table.
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