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London & Premier League Football

Back in 2016, I went to London with some high school friends for a trip centered around football. It was my first time seeing Premier League games live, and it’s safe to say the experience was unforgettable.

10/2/2025

people watching soccer arena
people watching soccer arena

West Ham vs Liverpool

Our first game was West Ham vs Liverpool. Unfortunately, my phone died before the match so I don’t have any photos — but the memory is crystal clear. Liverpool completely thrashed West Ham, which made for an… interesting atmosphere among our group. One of my friends is a Liverpool supporter, while another friend (and his father, who joined us) are die-hard West Ham fans. You can probably imagine the endless heckling, banter, and sarcastic comments coming from the Liverpool side after the final whistle.

Tottenham vs Crystal Palace at Wembley

The next day, we watched Tottenham vs Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium — the most iconic stadium in England. Walking inside felt majestic. The match itself was tight, but Tottenham clinched the win with a goal from Heung-Min Son. Seeing that live was incredible.

And yes, the stereotypes of English football fans are absolutely true: they were loud, drunk, constantly taunting the other side, and coming up with some of the funniest chants I’ve ever heard. The atmosphere was electric. If you’re a football fan, I can’t recommend going to a Premier League game enough — nothing compares to it.

Exploring London

We didn’t just stick to football. We also did a full sightseeing tour of the city: long walks through Hyde Park, passing by the Royal Palace, and wandering through old alleys and iconic streets. I loved how London combines modern, fancy financial districts with charming, old neighborhoods full of pubs, historic buildings, and quirky shops.

Food Highlights

After the Tottenham game, we went to a restaurant where you cook your own steak on a hot stone right at the table. For us 16-year-olds, that was a mind-blowing experience — and the steak was incredible.

Another food memory (though less fancy) was KFC. We had a rule on the trip: whoever was leading in Fantasy Premier League got their meal paid for by the others. I happened to be in the lead at the time, so I enjoyed my fried chicken for free.

(Quick note: Fantasy Premier League is a game where you pick a squad of real Premier League players, and your team earns points based on how those players perform in real matches. It makes watching football even more addictive.)

Closure

Looking back, that London trip was the perfect mix of football, food, and exploring one of the world’s most vibrant cities. Whether you’re into sports or just sightseeing, London has something for everyone — and if you’re a football fan, trust me, watching a Premier League game live is something you’ll never forget.