The big screen displays news that the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is reviewing a posible penalty to Everton, not given during the English Premier League football match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on March 15, 2025The big screen displays news that the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is reviewing a posible penalty to Everton, not given during the English Premier League football match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on March 15, 2025
The big screen displays news that the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is reviewing a posible penalty to Everton, not given during the English Premier League football match between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on March 15, 2025 | AFP via Getty Images
Liverpool and Everton both had to contend with VAR throughout the most recent Premier League season
It was a season of contrasting fortunes for Merseyside’s two Premier League clubs with Liverpool crowned champions but Everton have plenty to feel positive about following a huge upturn in fortunes following David Moyes’ return to the club.
The Reds won their 20th domestic title in what was Arne Slot’s first season at the club and they will be out to defend their crown again next campaign. For the Toffees, they will hope a full season under Moyes with a transfer window under the Scotsman will push them back towards becoming a club that regularly finished in the top eight.
Both Liverpool and Everton had to deal with VAR controversy throughout the campaign. The Video Assistant Referee was introduced into the Premier League for the 2019-20 season but despite hopes it would take the pressure off on-field officials, it has only led to further scrutiny of calls.
Controversial VAR calls involving Liverpool and Everton this season
For Liverpool’s winner in the game, there was a question of offside against Luis Diaz in the build-up as he stopped Tarkowski from clearing the ball, although the Colombian made no motion himself towards the play. The ball came back into the Reds’ possession, with Diaz assisting Diogo Jota for the winner.
While VAR did not overturn any calls, it still highlighted the controversy that can be caused when the video assistant does not get involved. Everton had seven VAR calls overturned against them this season, with five in their favour. The most contentious decision against them was arguably seeing a penalty overturned in the 93rd minute in a 2-2 draw with Manchester United.
Liverpool had six calls go against them when it came to VAR intervention, with four in their favour. The most recent decision came as Brighton had a goal awarded in the 85th minute after an incorrect offside against Jack Hinshelwood.
Final Premier League table without VAR
With all the VAR interventions this season, Squawka has put together how the final table would look without VAR errors - with Liverpool and Everton’s final points tallies changing while their positions have not.
1. Liverpool - 81 points
2. Arsenal - 79 points
3. Man City - 69 points
4. Chelsea - 69 points
5. Nottingham Forest - 65 points
6. Newcastle United - 64 points
7. Aston Villa - 63 points
8. Brentford - 60 points
9. Brighton - 59 points
10. Bournemouth - 58 points
11. Crystal Palace - 55 points
12. Fulham - 54 points
13. Everton - 49 points
14. Wolves - 46 points
15. Man United - 42 points
16. Tottenham - 38 points
17. West Ham United - 37 points
18. Ipswich Town - 24 points
19. Leicester City - 22 points
20. Southampton - 20 points
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