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.
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13. 8th: Brighton - 10 points ( -2 points)
Brighton currently sit on 12 points but that total would be reduced to 10 without the intervention of VAR to disallow Joshua Zirkzee's goal for Manchester United against the Seagulls. Brighton won that fixture 2-1 in the end. Had one VAR decision go against them and one for them in their opening-day win over Everton as they went on to win 3-0. | Getty Images
14. 7th: Bournemouth - 12 points (+4 points)
The Cherries could have had a strong record if not for VAR. Dango Ouattara has had two goals ruled out by Stockley Park with a controversial handball decision denying him the glory in a 1-1 draw with Newcastle Untied as his stoppage-time winner was chalked off. Against Nottingham Forest a week previous, he saw a goal ruled out for an offside against Lewis Cook. That game also finished 1-1. Also had a goal ruled out for offside in a 3-0 loss to Liverpool. | Getty Images
15. 6th: Fulham - 13 points (+2 points)
Fulham beat Leicester City 2-1 last month with the Foxes' goal initially ruled out for an offside against Jamie Vardy. However, after a check Wout Faes was able to celebrate an equaliser but Fulham battled back to earn all three points. Earned all three points late last month after VAR intervened in a penalty award for a foul by Murillo on Andreas Pereira. Raúl Jiménez scored it for a 1-0 win. | Getty Images
16. 5th: Aston Villa - 14 points
VAR has not overturned any decisions for or against Unai Emery's side this season. | AFP via Getty Images