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.
9. 12th: Brentford - 10 points
VAR awarded the Bees a penalty against Wolves in the eight-goal thriller before the international break. Bryan Mbeumo scored it as the hosts won 5-3. | Getty Images
10. 11th: Nottingham Forest - 10 points
Forest earned a point against Bournemouth but only after Dango Ouattara had a goal disallowed for an offside against Lewis Cook. However, they were also denied a point late last month after VAR awarded a penalty to Fulham - scored by Raúl Jiménez - for a foul by Murillo on Andreas Pereira. Fulham won the game 1-0. So overall they have gained one point and lost one through VAR calls. | Getty Images
11. 10th: Tottenham Hotspur - 10 points
VAR has yet to overturn any decisions for or against Spurs this season. | Getty Images
12. 9th: Newcastle United - 10 points (-2 points)
The Magpies earned a draw at Bournemouth but only after VAR intervened to rule out a late winner for the home side. Everton also had a goal ruled out by VAR ahead of the international break. | AFP via Getty Images