The introduction of VAR in the Premier League has been highly contentious this season, with a host of controversial decisions altering the outcome of matches. Manchester City were denied a late winner against Tottenham when Gabriel Jesus’ strike was ruled out for handball back in August while Brighton were awarded a penalty that secured all three points against Everton last month. Spurs also benefited again when VAR failed to award Watford a penalty for an apparent foul by Jan Vertonghen on Gerard Deulofeu while Sheffield United’s John Lundtsram was adjudged to be offside by millimetres, sparing Mauricio Pochettino further embarrassment against Sheffield United. Table-topping Liverpool have also had their own issues with the system after Roberto Firmino’s strike against Aston Villa was chalked off, although the Reds eventually found a winner in injury time.

And City were caught in a confusing situation when Kevin De Bruyne was awarded a goal because VAR said there were no clear replays of team-mate David Silva touching the Belgian’s goal-bound cross. VAR said that if Silva had touched the ball, Raheem Sterling would have been offside for impeding the goalkeeper but the goal was allowed to stand, only for the goal accreditation panel to award Silva the goal after the final whistle. A study from bettingexpert has revealed how the Premier League table would look if VAR had not been used this season and the on-field decisions had been allowed to stand. And the data shows Sheffield United and Wolves to be the biggest losers from video technology, with the Blades having missed out on three points while Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are four points worse off.

How would the Premier League table look if VAR was not used this season?

Sheffield United could have beaten Tottenham if David McGoldrick's goal had stood

United have still managed to claw their way up to fifth in an impressive return to the top-flight, but they are sure to be dreaming of what might have been an even better start to the campaign. At the other end of the scale, Crystal Palace, Leicester and Southampton have all gained three more points from VAR decisions than they would have in previous years - although Saints would still be mired in the relegation zone. West Ham, Chelsea and Arsenal are the worst-hit of the London clubs while Tottenham have enjoyed plenty of let-offs and are two points better off. Manchester United could arguably have had an extra point without VAR while six clubs – Liverpool, Burnley, Brighton, Newcastle, Watford and Norwich – all come out even in terms of VAR impact.

Arsenal had a late winner against Crystal Palace ruled out by VAR

Premier League table without VAR 20. Southampton – 5pts (-3pts compared to actual table) 19. Norwich City – 7pts (+/-pts) 18. Watford – 8pts (+/-pts) 17. Tottenham Hotspur – 12pts (-2pts) 16. Crystal Palace – 12pts (-3pts) 15. Aston Villa - 13pts (+2pts) 14. West Ham United – 15pts (+2pts) 13. Everton – 15pts (+1pt) 12. Newcastle United – 15pts (+/-pts) 11. Brighton & Hove Albion – 15pts (+/-pts)

Some points tallies have not been affected by VAR

10. Burnley – 15pts (+/-pts) 9. Bournemouth – 15pts (-1pt) 8. Manchester United – 17pts (+1pt) 7. Arsenal – 18pts (+1pt) 6. Wolverhampton Wanderers – 20pts (+4pts) 5. Sheffield United – 20pts (+3pts) 4. Leicester City – 23pts (-3pts) 3. Manchester City – 27pts (+1pt) 2. Chelsea – 27pts (+1pt) 1. Liverpool – 34pts (+/-pts)