In the past few days, Cao Baiming had been undergoing simple rehabilitation training according to the plan devised by the physical therapist.
Although everyone could sense that Cao Baiming's body had recovered and he was now as strong as an ox, they dared not rush. If anything were to go wrong, no one could bear the responsibility if the higher-ups were to blame.
In the blink of an eye, the match against Leicester City arrived.
On the last day before the match, the club officially released the squad list for this game, and Cao Baiming was still not on it.
He wasn't even listed on the substitute bench.
However, from the training videos released in the past two days, observant viewers had spotted Cao Baiming dribbling the ball in the background.
Although it might not have been intentional by the club, the news quickly spread among the fans.
"At least, Cao Baiming has returned to training!"
"That means we won't have to wait too much longer!"
Leicester City's head coach breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the squad list, as there were no surprises.
Most importantly, Cao Baiming was absent.
As long as Cao Baiming wasn't playing, he was confident his team would win.
On the day of the match, Cao Baiming was still on leave but personally came to the stadium.
Today, he was not wearing a substitute jersey but a white overcoat as he sat in the stands.
He had specifically chosen the seat Henry used to sit in to watch the game, finding the view very comfortable.
The match began, and Leicester City and Arsenal, two teams with comparable strength at the moment.
It was expected to be a particularly exciting match, but right from the start, Leicester City's lightning-fast attack delivered a heavy blow to all Arsenal fans.
Twenty-seven seconds!
A long ball from the back pierced through Arsenal's defense!
"1:0"
"What the hell! Why weren't they defending?"
Cao Baiming couldn't help but curse from the sidelines. He hadn't even settled into his seat properly before they conceded a goal!
More importantly, sitting there, he had seen the opponent's intentions clearly, but his teammates on the defensive line were completely at a loss.
Arteta clutched his head.
However, this was merely the beginning of the nightmare.
For the entire first half, Arsenal was continuously pressured by the opposition.
Fortunately, Leicester City's striker missed two clear one-on-one opportunities, preventing further goals.
In the second half, Arteta, in desperation, resorted to a defensive formation, ordering his players to hold their ground and counter-attack when opportunities arose, otherwise, just hold on.
Although they were still trailing by one goal, he desperately didn't want to suffer a crushing defeat!
The continuous threats had almost given him PTSD.
Unknowingly, the match reached the 80th minute, and many fans had already left.
The spectator stands gradually became dotted with empty seats. Those leaving at this point were likely Arsenal fans, unable to bear watching any longer.
There was no point in staying.
After all, Cao Baiming wasn't playing, and without even a sliver of hope or expectation, what was the point of staying?
Arteta's expression said it all; it was unbearable!
The players on the field began to tire. It wasn't until the 82nd minute that Vieira had a flash of inspiration and intercepted the ball!
A counter-attack was launched!
However, by the time they reached the penalty box, Leicester City's defenders had already largely regrouped.
They lacked the speed and Cao Baiming's long-range shooting ability. In the end, they could only resort to a speculative shot.
But to their surprise, it worked quite well, earning them a corner kick!
The fans present rekindled their hope, waiting for a last-minute miracle.
The corner was taken, flying towards the near post!
Nelson leaped high, his head made a slight contact, deflecting off a Leicester City defender's shoulder, and the ball swerved into the net!
An own goal!
The goalkeeper had no chance!
A miracle had indeed occurred!
In an instant, the fans erupted in cheers, simultaneously feeling pity for their friends who had left!
"Arsenal always has miracles!"
Such a voice echoed from the sidelines.
With the score leveled, Arteta intensified his defensive focus.
If you've scored a lucky goal, why not run? What are you waiting for?
In the 90th minute, Leicester City found another opportunity. A surgical through ball from midfield easily bypassed three defenders, reaching the striker in the penalty area!
The pass, skidding low, traced an unbelievable arc, reminiscent of De Bruyne.
Upon receiving the ball, he took a shot!
However, just as he was about to strike, a dark shadow flashed past!
A dangerous presence suddenly loomed beside him!
Before his foot could even touch the ball, he was brought down!
Cedric quickly got up after completing the move and spread his hands towards the referee.
"I didn't do anything! I didn't do anything!"
The referee felt his intelligence insulted.
Without hesitation, he pulled out a yellow card, and the entire stadium tensed up!
At this moment, the referee put the yellow card back into his pocket, took out a red card, and held it high!
His expression seemed to say to Cedric:
"Didn't expect this, did you, little one!"
After the replay, everyone agreed that the red card was justified. He was not only the last line of defense but also hadn't even touched the ball.
The striker finally got up with satisfaction.
Arteta's mood was such that he wanted to curse aloud.
Cao Baiming, however, was indifferent. Since he wasn't on the squad list for this game, the outcome wouldn't affect his system's record.
Cedric, though filled with resentment, reluctantly left the field.
Arteta used his last substitution, replacing the last striker on the field with White.
Simultaneously, the referee awarded Leicester City a penalty!
The time had reached the 92nd minute!
The two minutes of second-half stoppage time had passed. This penalty would be the deciding goal!
The fallen player brushed the dust off himself. "I'll take the penalty I earned myself!"
His eyes held a look of resolute determination, as if facing death!
All the fans knew this was the final play. Regardless of success or failure, the referee would blow the final whistle after the penalty.
He appeared somewhat nervous, but it was understandable; anyone in this situation would be.
The goalkeeper also capitalized on this, darting left and right, hovering around the goal to distract him.
Run-up... shot!
The ball was struck with great power!
But!
The ball flew directly out of bounds, soaring towards the stands!
Arteta's tense heart finally relaxed, and he couldn't help but jump up on the spot.
"Ooooh oh oh oh oh!"
Arsenal fans vented their pent-up emotions.
But it was hardly a glorious victory!
Amidst the deafening cheers from the fans, the match ended!
Leicester City had failed!
Although the score was a draw, they had failed!
After the match, the statistics were released: shots on goal 3:17, possession 35:65, pass completion rate 69:89...