Controversial VAR Decisions Shake Up Premier League Season
The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has caused several controversial decisions throughout the 2022-23 Premier League season. ESPN created a table to track these decisions and how they impacted match outcomes. The table utilized various factors, including team form, time of incident, xG at the time of incident, team strength, and the impact of the incident. After amended results were factored in, some clubs lost or gained points due to VAR decision-making.
Aston Villa and Liverpool lost the most points due to VAR decisions going against them. Meanwhile, Arsenal and Manchester City gained three additional points each without VAR. West Ham had the largest gain overall without VAR, moving up five spots and out of relegation. Leeds and Brighton also made gains without VAR, while Bournemouth, Leicester City, Wolves and Fulham each gained a point.
These VAR-related shakeups in standings indicate that the technology is making significant impacts on match outcomes.
Liverpool’s Struggle for Top-Four Spot
Liverpool is currently two places and seven points behind Tottenham Hotspur in their battle for a top-four spot. For Liverpool to make it into next year’s UEFA Champions League competition, they must regain their form and find consistency.
One critical area where Liverpool needs improvement is their attacking force and buildup play. With Luiz Diaz and Darwin Nunez as key players who can help Liverpool push for a top-four finish, Fabinho must step up his game as well.
Liverpool must also improve their away form to achieve a top-four finish this season. Their recent run-in form against top-six teams gives some hope for their chances but more work needs to be done.
Liverpool’s Struggles with Set-Piece Defending
While Liverpool is chasing a top-four spot, they must also address their struggles with set-piece defending, which has proven to be a weakness for them throughout the season. This issue came to light during the match against Brentford where they conceded set-piece goals.
Liverpool’s upcoming games against many top teams that excel at set-pieces, like Tottenham, Arsenal, and Brentford, will put their set-piece defending under scrutiny. Virgil van Dijk’s return could help address this problem, but additional work needs to be done.
Liverpool’s pursuit of Champions League qualification starts with a tough away game against Manchester City, and according to FiveThirtyEight, they need 25 points to secure a fourth-place finish. While Liverpool has an easier schedule on paper than their rivals for a top-four finish, correcting their set-piece defending issues will be crucial for success.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s chances of finishing in the top four and qualifying for the Champions League may hinge on the ability to improve their away form, attacking force and building play and addressing their struggles with set-piece defending. The impact of VAR decisions on this season’s Premier League standings are clear and indicate a fundamental shift in match outcomes.
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