Where Everton would be in the Premier League table without VAR

Everton would be six points clear of the relegation zone in the Premier League without VAR, according to latest research.

The Blues currently sit three points above the bottom three and have two games in hand on their closest relegation rivals. In their last league game, Frank Lampard’s side recorded a vital 1-0 win over Newcastle at Goodison, courtesy of an Alex Iwobi goal in added time .

This weekend, Everton face the tough test of taking on West Ham at the London Stadium as they come up against ex-manager David Moyes. Fortunately, both Watford and Burnley will also face daunting tasks when they take on Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.

However, Everton’s relegation fears would be slightly eased if VAR had not played a role in the Premier League this season. Research conducted by ESPN , whose work considers a variety of factors, shows that the Blues would be four points better off overall (29).

The ‘VAR Effect’ table examines the impact of the first use of VAR during a match and how that may have ultimately impacted the final result, if the decision was reversed back to the original on-field call. In Everton’s case, the study suggests it is significant with only Newcastle having lost more points through overturned decisions this season (-5).

Combined with Watford losing three points, Leeds dropping two, and Burnley’s increase of two points not enough to leapfrog Everton, the Blues would be sitting in 16th place. This table may go some way to vindicating Everton fans who have felt hard done by, with regards to refereeing decisions this term - with the club submitting a formal complaint after being denied a penalty against Manchester City in February.

Though dependent on a wide range of variables,