Everton
Everton has found itself in an unenviable position as the first club in seven seasons of VAR implementation not to receive a single overturn in their favor. This revelation comes from a BBC Sport analysis of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, highlighting the Toffees’ struggles with VAR decisions. The club finished at the bottom of the net VAR interventions table, with a net score of minus five, indicating more decisions against them than for them.
Michael Ball said: “People might point to it being the third consecutive game that Everton have conceded in stoppage time, but it seems obvious to me that our games are being refereed in a different way to the manner being adopted for other teams in the Premier League. In turn, such a morale-boosting win could have altered the entire feeling around the club, their hopes for Europe and fan sentiment right now over both the manager David Moyes and his players.”
The analysis further revealed that Everton was denied VAR penalties in crucial matches against Arsenal, Manchester City, and West Ham United. This lack of favorable VAR decisions has contributed to their position at the bottom of the VAR goals affected table, sharing a net score of minus four with Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion. Three Everton goals were disallowed by VAR, while one opposition goal was allowed after initially being disallowed.
The broader context of the Premier League showed that half the division ended with negative net scores in VAR interventions. Behind Everton, Brighton & Hove Albion had a net score of minus four, followed by Tottenham Hotspur with minus three. Meanwhile, Chelsea topped the table with a positive score of plus six, showcasing a stark contrast in VAR fortunes across the league.
Everton’s struggles with VAR have not only impacted their standings but have also influenced fan sentiment and the club’s overall morale. As Michael Ball pointed out, a favorable decision could have significantly boosted the club’s outlook and aspirations for European competitions. The ongoing challenges with VAR decisions have added pressure on manager David Moyes and his squad, as they navigate the competitive landscape of the Premier League.
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