London, Manchester & Liverpool

EPL regular season match

Crystal Palace vs Tottenham | January 5, 2023 at Selhurst Park

On my way back from Cairo, I stopped in England to attend a few matches and spend time with my cousin in Manchester—one of the highlights being this London derby at the historic Selhurst Park. Before kickoff, I enjoyed the pre-match festivities at a Crystal Palace members’ club, soaking in the traditions and energy that make English matchdays so special

The two halves were in stark contrast. Palace looked the better side in a goalless first half, but Tottenham emerged after the break with authority. Harry Kane marked his 300th Premier League appearance with a brace, while Matt Doherty and Son Heung-min added to complete an emphatic 4–0 victory for Spurs. It was extra special to see both Harry Kane and Son Heung-min in person—two players who have defined an era for Tottenham.

FA Cup | Manchester United vs Everton | January 6, 2023 at Old Trafford

From London, I continued on to Manchester to meet up with my cousin, adding another iconic football stop to the journey. Before kickoff, we enjoyed a beverage and a classic hamburger along Deansgate—the longest and one of the most historic roads in Manchester city centre—soaking in the build-up before the match. The atmosphere both inside and outside of Old Trafford was extra special. Surrounded by history and a sea of supporters, the passion of the fans was impossible to miss and made the occasion feel truly memorable.

Manchester United defeated Everton 3–1 in the opening match of the third round of the FA Cup. Antony put the hosts ahead inside the opening four minutes, but an error from David de Gea allowed Conor Coady to equalize just 10 minutes later. United regained control in the second half, and Marcus Rashford sealed the win with nearly the last kick of the game, converting from the penalty spot after Ben Godfrey brought down Alejandro Garnacho in the box. The victory marked a seventh consecutive win in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s side, who will learn their fourth-round opponent on Sunday.

FA Cup | Liverpool vs Wolverhampton | January 7, 2023 at Anfield

I had the chance to catch another classic FA Cup encounter as Liverpool hosted Wolves at Anfield. The atmosphere was electric, and walking into the stadium, surrounded by the history and energy of the fans, made the occasion feel extra special. Experiencing such a thrilling match in a historic stadium was truly unforgettable.

Hearing the fans sing “You’ll Never Walk Alone” gave me goosebumps, a powerful reminder of the unity and passion that brings the whole city together. The scoreline went back and forth in a captivating contest that kept supporters on edge. In the end, the match finished 2–2, setting up a third-round replay to decide the tie.

FA Cup | Manchester City vs Chelsea | January 8, 2023 at Etihad

I had the chance to watch Manchester City take on Chelsea at the Etihad, and it was another memorable FA Cup experience. The stadium buzzed with energy, though the environment felt quite different from my previous three matches—unlike historic grounds like Selhurst Park, Old Trafford, and Anfield, the Etihad is newer and has less history, giving it a modern but less traditional atmosphere.

It was fun to watch the Chelsea fans in their section, with playful insults and hand gestures flying throughout the match, adding to the intensity of the day. City cruised to a 4–0 victory in a dominant performance, showcasing the depth and talent of Pep Guardiola’s squad. With the fourth-round draw already set, City will face either Oxford United or Arsenal in what promises to be another exciting fixture.