4 talking points | From the stands: What it feels like watching a Premier League game

For every sport-loving fan, there is certainly nothing that can be compared to watching a live match in the stadium.

From South Africa to the United Kingdom, London, News24 Sport enjoyed a complete matchday programme at the Emirates Stadium alongside bp Southern Africa and Castrol's competition winners for the ultimate experience.

READ | From SA to UK: A trip of a lifetime to watch Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium

The fixture on the itinerary was a big one: Arsenal versus Liverpool, and the match, which was a five-goal thriller, did not disappoint.

But what is it like to attend a Premier League game?

Tashreeq Vardien details the experience below:

Fans flock in early

Having reported on South Africa's top-flight Premiership for several years, the fans almost always arrive late to the stadiums. It has become a problem discussed at length as it has become a safety concern.

Arriving a few hours before kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, fans were already queuing to get into the arena as early as they could.

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It was delightful to witness and see the excitement and enthusiasm on the faces of all the stadium goers.

The venue opens its gates early for those seated at club level, box level, directors lounge and diamond club, while general admission is allowed access two hours before the first-half whistle.

Safety first!

Security was scattered all around the stadium as we took a scenic route lap before it was time to enter the VIP Box entrance. 

Alongside the security, there are also police on the lookout and keeping tabs on any unwanted violence.

In the away fans section, several security guards corner off the area from the home base