Sport VAR rulings have doubled Liverpool's lead at top of Premier League table Manchester City face an uphill task to overhaul Liverpool's eight-point lead - but without video ref Guardiola's side would be just four points behind Share Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now Get the biggest Liverpool FC
Liverpool face Manchester United on Sunday with an eight-point lead in the Premier League table - with VAR having doubled their advantage over Manchester City.
The introduction of the video assistant referee system into the top flight this season has been frequently controversial, though the number of incidents reviewed and overturned has been surprisingly low.
Despite that, the effects on the league table are already clear - starting with the title race.
When Gabriel Jesus' stoppage-time 'winner' against Tottenham in August was disallowed - with VAR showing the ball had brushed City team-mate Aymeric Laporte's arm in the build-up - it immediately looked a key moment in the battle between Manchester City and Liverpool .
City had to settle for a 2-2 draw at home to Spurs, dropping points in just the second game - while six games later Liverpool still have a 100% record. The big screen at the Etihad shows the VAR decision as Gabriel Jesus was denied what Manchester City hoped would be a winner (Image: Getty Images) Read More Pep Guardiola jokes Premier League fixture compilers must be Liverpool fans
With another tense title fight expected between City and Liverpool, such moments could ultimately decide top spot.
Of course, City have lost twice since then - to Norwich and Wolves - meaning Liverpool's lead has stretched to a yawning eight points.
But Jurgen Klopp's side wouldn't have won all eight games if it wasn't for VAR. Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta had a goal disallowed in Liverpool's 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, which had it stood would have cost the Reds two points.
So without VAR, Liverpool would have 22 points to City's 18 - a rather less imposing gap of four points. Jesus remonstrates with referee Michael Oliver after his 'goal' was disallowed (Image: Action Images via Reuters) Chelsea's Cesar Azpilicueta realises his effort against Liverpool has been ruled out (Image: Getty Images) Read More
