In recent times, I’ve found myself doing the following before Arsenal games:
1. Switching off any device that has pre-match punditry to avoid any negative energy
2. Checking and double checking whether my beer or wine is chilled to the right temperature. I take beer during afternoon games and white wine for games at night – I’ve been accused of being a borderline alcoholic at times, but there’s absolutely no evidence to justify this accusation.
3. I take off my home Arsenal shirt, turn it inside out, and then turn it back again before putting it on. I know, I know – it’s like dressing up for a phone call – but it makes me feel good.
4. I tap the door frame of the living room with all my fingers at the same time – making sure to do it 5 times and only 5 times.
5. Exactly one minute to kick off – I switch on the telly, the radio or ATVO (whichever I’m watching or listening to on the day) and sit to toast the team before taking my first sip of the beer or wine at kick off.