Liverpool would be top of the Premier League table ahead of Manchester City without VAR, research shows.
The title race appeared to be a forgone conclusion in January given City held a significant lead. But recent results have turned things around and Liverpool are now just one point behind in second, on 69 points.
And a win at home Watford in the early Saturday kick-off could actually move the Reds to the summit, albeit perhaps temporarily given Pep Guardiola's side play later in the afternoon at Burnley.
READ MORE: Jamie Carragher says Liverpool have new advantage over Man City after £50m decision
READ MORE: Thiago rejects claim over Liverpool title 'boost' in battle with Man City
Liverpool, though, would already be in the driving seat without decisions made by VAR, it has been claimed. Research from ESPN shows Jurgen Klopp's team would be top on 70 points (+1), with City just behind on 69 (-1).
Their 'VAR effect table' has taken all 94 decisions in the Premier League so far this season into consideration and calculated how they might have changed the outcome of matches. They've reversed VAR decisions to the original on-field call and then used various factors to determine how the game would've ended.
Liverpool would gain just one point, according to the projections. ESPN concludes a point would have been dropped at the start of the campaign if VAR hadn't stepped in to send Reece James off for a handball in the 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield. But two points would have been gained had Sadio Mane's goal not been ruled out for handball in the 2-2 draw against Brighton.
For Manchester City, their 0-0 draw at Southampton would've ended in a loss if VAR hadn't overturned the penalty and red card against Kyle Walker. However, their 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace has been recalculated as a 2-1 win after they had a goal ruled out for offside at 1-0 down with 30 minutes left to play.
City's win over Arsenal in January has been recalculated as a defeat, though, as they were awarded a penalty just after half-time when they were 1-0 down.
