Newcastle United have already had some close shaves with VAR just seven games into the Premier League season. The technology - introduced to the mainstream at the 2018 World Cup - has not conjured up as much controversy as previous seasons.
Hold your breath, some may say, with the campaign still in its infancy. But new “referee’s call” guidelines - similar to how cricket operates - have given VAR a backseat role.
In truth, Newcastle have benefitted from the software so far in 2024-25. Eddie Howe’s men were lucky to avoid a last-gasp defeat against Bournemouth in August.
Abdoulaye Doucoure also rightfully had a goal chalked off for offside before the international break. A week earlier, VAR decided against intervening when Anthony Gordon hit the deck after being caught by Ederson.
Manchester City players felt as though contact was minimal and not enough to force a penalty. Overall, the Magpies - touch wood - are yet to be on the receiving end of a VAR howler this season.
But how does that stack up to the rest of the division? NewcastleWorld has profiled how the Premier League table would look without the controversial technology.
VAR awarded a penalty to Brentford in Wolves' 5-3 defeat ahead of the international break. Bryan Mbeumo scored it.
1. 20th: Wolves - 1 point
VAR awarded a penalty to Brentford in Wolves' 5-3 defeat ahead of the international break. Bryan Mbeumo scored it. | Wolves via Getty Images
Southampton have had a tough start to life back in the Premier League but have not had any VAR contention to deal with so far.
2. 19th: Southampton - 1 point
Southampton have had a tough start to life back in the Premier League but have not had any VAR contention to deal with so far. | Getty Images
Without VAR, Palace would be a point worse off after Jean-Philippe Mateta's goal was awarded after an incorrect offside in their 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
3. 18th: Crystal Palace - 2 points (- 1 point)
Without VAR, Palace would be a point worse off after Jean-Philippe Mateta's goal was awarded after an incorrect offside in their 2-2 draw with Leicester City.
There has been the one VAR decision against the Premier League new boys but it came in a game they lost 4-1 at Man City.
4. 17th: Ipswich Town - 4 points
There has been the one VAR decision against the Premier League new boys but it came in a game they lost 4-1 at Man City
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