Liverpool Would Have Won The Premier League Last Season If VAR Was Used

If VAR had been used in the Premier League last season, then Liverpool would have been crowned champions for the first time in 29 years.

GentingBet decided to calculate the Premier League table if Video Assistant Referee had been in use for the 2018/2019 season and it had a few changes.

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The analysis involved all 380 Premier League matches last season and, using the new rules in place for the 2019/20 season in regards to handballs, Liverpool would have clinched the title by 97 points.

This ironically was the total Manchester City sealed their title triumph with.

The table from last season if VAR had been used

The crucial game would have been City's 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Etihad back in April.

City raced to a 1-0 lead thanks to teenage starlet Phil Foden five minutes in, but the remaining 85 tested Pep Guardiola's side.

While chasing an equaliser, Spurs were denied a penalty after the referee ruled against a potential Kyle Walker handball.

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If VAR was in use that penalty would have been given.

Given Mauricio Pochettino's side having 100% penalty kick accuracy last season, another netted pen would have seen City drop two points in the crucial tie and hand Liverpool the trophy come May.

It makes for interesting speculation as VAR makes it's debut in the Premier League this season.

The bottom of the table also would have been much tighter if VAR was in use.

Chelsea would have dropped two points against Cardiff City following Cesar Azpilcueta's equaliser which was clearly offside.

This would have seen Spurs ultimately finish third ahead of the Europa League winners.

Chelsea went on to win the game 2-1, much to the chagrin of Cardiff boss Neil Warnock.

The Bluebirds still would have found themselves relegated but would have gone down on 35 points, level with 17th placed Brighton & Hove Albion.

Perhaps that would have been harsher than the true outcome which saw them go down still in 18th, but two points behind the Seagulls.

But the biggest talking point is clearly that we wouldn't have seen Manchester City sweep the deck in England, but would have seen Liverpool as Premier League champions for the first time ever.

How do you think VAR will impact the Premier League this season? Sound off in the comments below.

Topics: Manchester City, Liverpool, Premier League, VAR

Dan Marland

Dan is a freelance writer for SPORTbible and has previously featured on Manchester United's official website. He once locked eyes with Jose Mourinho and lived to tell the tale. He also held a door open for Nicky Butt at Carrington. He said thank you.

@DanMarland1998x