
Football
Share
Published 14:09 11 May 2026 BST
Updated 14:11 11 May 2026 BST
Former Man City and West Ham keeper Joe Hart was left furious at the incident: "Arsenal have lived off those scrappy, aggressive goals all season. Blocking keepers, crowding the six-yard box, little nudges here and there. Suddenly, when it happens against them, it’s clear and obvious. Give me a break."
Irons midfielder Tomas Soucek also did not mince his words, speaking to ViaPlay after the match: "It's a BIG error by VAR! I don't see any foul. Every game Arsenal does so many blocks, so many small fouls. And now suddenly they need the title and they get it. For football this is very disappointing. Even for Arsenal fans this is not what we want."
Though, where would teams lie in the table, if VAR didn't exist?
The first change is major. Arsenal wouldn't be in pole position for the Premier League, but instead Man City. Pep Guardiola's side would sit just one point between Mikel Arteta's Gunners, with a game in hand. Instead with VAR, Arsenal sit comfortably five points above City.
Elsewhere, Brighton would remarkably jump up to an incredible 4th in the table, with Bournemouth moving to 5th.
West Ham United would also still be in the relegation places, though Nottingham Forest would drop to 17th, with Tottenham Hotspur going above them.
Forest have gained six points due to VAR this season, whereas Spurs have lost four points.
So, how would the full table look without VAR's existence?
Sunday marked the possible biggest VAR moment in history so far. West Ham fighting for survival, Arsenal embarking on the title. 1-0, minutes to go on the clock, and Callum Wilson fires home a priceless equaliser. After a strenuous check, VAR ruled the goal out for a foul on David Raya in the build up. Fans left divided on the incident, the players furious and The Irons likely going down resultantly, all the discourse has since only been on this major VAR moment.

FAI announce official decision for Ireland v Israel venue
BREAKING The FAI have confirmed that Ireland’s home fixture v Israel in the Nations League will be moved to a neutral venue according to RTE. Originally, the match was scheduled to take place on the 4th of October, in the Aviva Stadium. After a meeting on Thursday, the decision has been made to move the […]
Football
9h
Live sport on TV in Ireland this weekend – Football, GAA, Rugby – June 12-14th
The World Cup is here! With the World Cup kicking off last night as Mexico eased past South Africa. This weekend’s sport is jampacked with action from football, GAA and Rugby. There are set to be eight live World Cup matches this weekend, bolstered by huge All-Ireland and Tailteann Cup quarter finals. In the Rugby, […]
Football
10h
Football
Michael Carrick changes one of Man United’s longest modern day traditions
Football