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.
17. 4th: Chelsea - 14 points
Chelsea are also yet to be impacted by a VAR decision this campaign. Although VAR did check a Man City goal on the opening weekend, before agreeing with the on-field call. | Getty Images
18. 3rd: Arsenal - 17 points
VAR overturned a decision for the first time in an Arsenal game last weekend as Kai Havertz's 99th minute goal was given after an incorrect offside. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
19. Manchester City - 17 points
VAR has got involved just once for Man City this season when a penalty was awarded for a foul by Leif Davis on Savinho during their comfortable 4-1 win over Ipswich Town. The penalty was scored by Erling Haaland to draw the hosts level but the overall outcome would have likely resulted in a City win as they went on to score three more goals. | Getty Images
20. 1st: Liverpool - 18 points
VAR chalked off Trent Alexander-Arnold's goal in Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester United for an offside by Mo Salah. Didn't impact the result in the end, however. Bournemouth also had an early goal ruled out against the Reds for an offside against Antoine Semenyo but Liverpool went on to claim a 3-0 victory. | Getty Images