"To accommodate our new reinforcement, Cao Baming, our tactics and playing style have undergone some changes. We'll be adjusting our training content accordingly."
"With Cao Baming on the field, the midfield will primarily serve as a link, providing cover for his attacking runs." 138 Reading Network
...
The coach explained, drawing and sketching on the tactical board.
It was evident he had put in considerable effort.
Cao Baming was indeed the first defender who could compel the entire team to adapt their tactical system.
After the explanation, the players were still a bit bewildered. However, thanks to several days of combined training and practice matches, things were much clearer.
Cao Baming knew very well that this meant he would soon be in the starting lineup. The coach was focusing on training the new system specifically to get him started!
So thoughtful!
After nearly a week of training, the next match finally arrived.
Despite some practice with the new system, Mikel Arteta still wouldn't deploy it at this juncture.
The day before the match, he addressed the players.
"For the next game against Crystal Palace in two days, stick to the original tactics. Even if Cao Baming comes on as a substitute, don't change the game plan."
The players understood naturally.
After all, their training had not been impressive in the past couple of days; they were playing poorly. How could they possibly use it now?
A new system always takes time to mature.
The match quickly came.
On game day, Arsenal traveled to Crystal Palace's home ground. Cao Baming was once again on the substitute's bench.
Public opinion on Arsenal's performance remained divided. Although they had won three consecutive games, they hadn't faced any truly strong opponents. Even if they won against Crystal Palace today, it wouldn't be enough to convince everyone.
But regardless, it would silence some critics.
A record of four consecutive wins couldn't possibly be associated with a slump in form.
The match began. Cao Baming watched patiently from the sidelines. At halftime, neither team had scored!
It seemed the opponents were also being cautious.
Arsenal was currently under intense scrutiny. Losing to Arsenal would be too embarrassing.
And Mikel Arteta desperately wanted this fourth consecutive victory!
At halftime, Cao Baming waited for the coach to call him in as a substitute, but his name was not called.
Crystal Palace's home stadium buzzed with enthusiastic fans, who were exceptionally lively.
The 0-0 halftime score did nothing to dampen their spirits!
The referee blew his whistle, and the match resumed!
In the second half, both teams slightly increased their attacking intensity!
If the first half was about cautious probing, then the second half was certainly about bringing out their true capabilities after the probing was complete!
Indeed, as the gaze swept across the pitch, the pace of the game noticeably quickened.
In the seventh minute of the second half, Martinelli received a cross from Ødegaard and slotted the ball into the far corner with his left foot!
He ran excitedly towards the sidelines, roaring at the spectators!
With this goal, Arsenal took a 1-0 lead!
In this situation, the coach was even less likely to bring him on!
Cao Baming waited. As expected, the score remained unchanged, and Mikel Arteta had no intention of bringing him on.
The team was currently in good form, so they probably didn't need him for now.
The game reached the ninetieth minute, and the score was still 1-0.
After taking the lead, Mikel Arteta opted for a solid defensive strategy, successfully maintaining the score until the end!
As White made a long clearance, the referee blew the final whistle.
Although they had won, not having played, he felt a sense of disappointment.
Cao Baming slowly got up from the bench.
The fans were also disappointed. Many Arsenal supporters had come specifically to see Cao Baming.
After all, this defender with the gun always brought unexpected surprises to the fans.
With the match concluded, the team immediately began preparing for the next one.
The 1-0 scoreline didn't capture the media's attention.
He hadn't even earned the reward for a solid four consecutive wins, something he would have gotten even if he had played for a minute!
In the subsequent match, Arsenal faced West Ham United.
In the fifty-ninth minute, Mikel Arteta finally called Cao Baming's name.
He had waited for so long! He could finally play!
If it weren't for that call, he might have fallen asleep on the sidelines in another five minutes!
They had played for sixty minutes, and yet they hadn't managed to score a single point; the score remained 0-0.
Cao Baming resolutely stood up, walked off the bench, and went to the sidelines to warm up!
Seeing this, the fans were ecstatic!
Finally, there would be some excitement!
The assistant referee on the sidelines held up the number boards. One displayed a green number 39, the other a red number 17.
Suo Long jogged onto the field, replacing the somewhat tired Cédric.
He ran diagonally, heading towards the defensive midfield position!
That's right, the role the coach assigned him was a full-back who also played defensive midfield, and occasionally even a forward!
This was an unprecedented playing style!
Upon entering the field, Cao Baming quickly scanned the pitch.
Currently, the ball was with a Crystal Palace player. They were passing back and forth in the midfield, trying to gain control of the tempo.
However, Cao Baming didn't want to give them that opportunity!
So, it was time for some physicality!
At this moment, his only noteworthy defensive attribute was this.
Cao Baming spotted a few players in front of him attempting a short pass. After gesturing to switch positions with his teammate, he swiftly moved forward to intercept.
Even without actively tackling, simply positioning himself in front of the intended receiver made the opponent extremely uncomfortable.
As the core midfielder for Crystal Palace, their offensive organization always went through him. Being so suppressed by Cao Baming, he couldn't break free, making it incredibly frustrating!
At this moment, his feeling was identical to that of Martial, whose ribs Cao Baming had broken. It felt like there was a massive, mobile stone blocking his path!
The result was predictable. This attacking penetration failed, and White dispossessed him.
After two passes, the ball found Cao Baming again. The midfielder who had just positioned himself to block now tried to block Cao Baming, but it was futile; he was shoved aside and almost fell.
Seeing Vieira coming to receive the ball in midfield, Cao Baming didn't hesitate and made a pass.
The ball shot forward along the ground, but it was wildly off-target!
It was almost intercepted by the opponent.
Fortunately, Vieira's footwork and physical strength were top-notch, and he managed to receive the ball after a couple of quick steps.
Cao Baming felt a wave of helplessness.
He could only blame his low basic attributes in passing and control!
Looking on the bright side, there was room for improvement!
The midfield battle became even more intense. Controlling the ball required some skill, so Cao Baming quickly passed it on after receiving it.
During this period, possession switched hands repeatedly. However, when it was Crystal Palace's turn to attack, they simply couldn't get past Cao Baming!