Bournemouth could have finished in Champions League places depending on VAR outcomes, but VAR interventions altered points and final standings. Liverpool secured Europa League qualification after Manchester City’s late equaliser on the final day, while Bournemouth entered Europe for the first time via the Europa League. VAR impact depends on timing and game state, not just the number of interventions. BBC Sport identified 29 matches where VAR almost certainly influenced results. Examples include a VAR penalty contributing to Manchester United’s stoppage-time 3-2 win over Burnley. Arsenal’s title-winning points total was boosted by VAR in wins at West Ham and Everton, where matches could have ended as draws without VAR. Removing those VAR-influenced points would have left Arsenal and Manchester City level on points, with City leading on goal difference.
"Bournemouth in the Champions League? It was still a possibility as the final day of the Premier League season progressed - and would have been even more likely but for Erling Haaland's late goal five days before. The Cherries will enter Europe for the first time next season via the Europa League after Liverpool - who would have gone into the final day just a point ahead of Bournemouth but for Manchester City's equaliser - clung on to fifth place. Yet there was another way the south-coast club could have finished in the Champions League places - if there was no video assistant referee (VAR)."
"The number of VAR interventions only tells part of the story. What really matters is when they happen, and the state of the game. Assessing impact is subjective, but BBC Sport has identified 29 games where VAR almost certainly influenced the final result. For instance, a VAR advising a red card in the final seconds is not likely to affect a scoreline. In contrast, Manchester United's stoppage time 3-2 win against Burnley can be put down to a VAR penalty."
"The title goes down to the final day Arsenal won the title by seven points, but they gained four through VAR - in the Gunners' win at West Ham and their victory at Everton. Both could have been draws but for VAR. Take those four off, and heading into the final day of the season Arsenal and Manchester City would have been level on 78 points - with Pep Guardiola's team top on goal difference."
Read at www.bbc.com
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