Ranking the Premier League clubs by who is most affected by VAR

The 2021-22 season is the third campaign where we’ve had VAR in the Premier League – but it continues to divide opinion and cause controversy. 

Thanks to the excellent work of ESPN, we’ve ranked every Premier League club from who has benefited most to who has had the most decisions go against them when VAR has overturned an on-pitch decision.

Note: we’ve only included figures that relate to overturned decisions only so do not include VAR referrals that have upheld the officials’ original decisions.

During West Ham’s win over Newcastle, the offside flag was raised when Aaron Cresswell’s cross appeared to be turned into the goal by Jarrod Bowen. But the goal was allowed to stand after replays showed that Cresswell’s shot had gone all the way into the net untouched. 

They were given a one-man advantage against Leicester City when replays showed Ayoze Perez stamping on Pablo Fornals’ ankle. 

David Moyes’ side were awarded a late penalty against Manchester United, only for Mark Noble to come off the bench and see his effort saved by David de Gea.

Tomas Soucek thought he’d scored against Leeds but the goal was ruled out after VAR showed Michail Antonio had clattered Illan Meslier in the face with his arm in the build-up.

West Ham’s task against Aston Villa was made easier when Ezri Konsa’s yellow card was upgraded to red following a VAR review. 

After Antonio had a goal disallowed for offside in West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Brighton, VAR later gave Southampton a penalty due to Craig Dawson’s foul on Armando Broja.

Bowen had mixed feelings towards VAR during their game against Watford as he had a goal disallowed for offside but was also awarded a penalty.

In January 2022, VAR awarded West Ham a penalty against Crystal Palace,