A day later, looking at the news report, the click-through rate had exceeded eighty million. Meanwhile, major media outlets were all reposting and remixing the content.
It could be said that by morning, no matter what news website you visited, the homepage was already covered by this piece of news.
Back when Drogba returned, there wasn't such a huge reaction.
Arsenal, at their lowest ebb, had successively welcomed two pillars in Cao Baming and Henry. If this wasn't being favored by God, what was?
The fans were utterly ecstatic, wishing they could see Cao Baming and Henry compete on the field tomorrow, to witness how the newly formed Arsenal would shred the Premier League.
However, people also knew that neither Henry, who had just returned, nor Cao Baming, who had only recently been discharged from the hospital after recovering from an injury, would be seen on the field anytime soon, leading to some disappointment.
Soon, the match against Stoke City arrived.
In the training sessions of these past few days, the team had attempted to adapt to the new system and practice some integration, but they had still spent more time training with the old system.
Cao Baming had, during this period, collected quite a bit of emotion on the field that could be exchanged for points.
However, this match was far from the time to use them.
In this game, he was still assigned to the substitute's bench.
The spectators by the sidelines had long since bought out all their seats. Although they didn't break Drogba's sales record, they were comparable.
The fans arrived with anticipation, but it was impossible for Henry to play in this match.
If Drogba's previous match-winning goal could be considered an accident, then in this game, Arteta ensured that such an accident would not occur, as Henry wasn't even on the squad list.
Cao Baming's appearance had also ignited new hope in the fans.
While the old king might be a memory for many, perhaps one generation could truly be stronger than the previous. After all, people had always compared Messi and Maradona, or even Ronaldo and Pelé; in truth, the difference wouldn't be that significant.
Cao Baming was the most unique player in terms of playing style in the past hundred years, which was also why fans liked him.
Arteta wasn't particularly worried about this match. The opponent wasn't strong, and they were old rivals he understood very well. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he had them under his control.
The opposing head coach rarely deployed particularly flashy tactics, relying on just two or three sets of plays that they rotated.
He himself didn't tire of them, but other opponents had long since figured them out.
As expected, on the field, the players' performance proved Arteta right. His confidence today was not without reason.
By the end of the first half, the score was already 2-0, a lead that was sufficiently stable.
A three-goal comeback in the second half was rare in football history, so generally, in such a situation, the second half would involve strengthening the defense.
However, this was something Arteta might have done a few days ago, but today he truly wouldn't.
During the halftime break, he clearly defined the tactic for the second half: a single word, attack!
"Keep pushing them, tear them apart!" Arteta declared.
The players naturally appreciated hearing this, though they were somewhat surprised.
This was the confidence given to him by Henry's arrival and Cao Baming's presence on the bench.
In the two days of training, he had clearly felt the improvement in Cao Baming's competitive level. Previously, no matter the situation, substituting Cao Baming could salvage the game. So, this time, what reason was there to be timid?
At the start of the second half, the players executed the coach's strategy to perfection, with almost the entire team pushing forward.
The opposing side was also sensible and passively strengthened their defense.
Football is a game of strategy. For the players on the field, it might be athletic competition, but for the coaches on both sides, it was more like playing chess.
Cao Baming sat on the sidelines, his gaze calmly fixed on the field.
With this score, he probably had no hope of playing in this match!
Just then, a voice suddenly came from the distance.
"Cao Baming."
Hearing his name, Cao Baming quickly looked towards the head coach, but he was intently watching the game.
If not the coach, then who was calling me?
Cao Baming scanned his surroundings and then realized that Henry was slowly walking towards him from behind.
There was a vacant spot right next to Cao Baming, allowing Henry to sit down. The team members naturally couldn't stop him.
He had initially thought it was the coach giving him a chance to play, but instead, it was the football king initiating a conversation!
Due to their previous experience of drinking together, coupled with Henry's admiration for Cao Baming, they had quickly become good friends upon his arrival at the club.
Although their on-field chemistry hadn't been fully developed, Cao Baming and Henry were very compatible in their private lives.
The match had reached the 71st minute. Henry chatted with Cao Baming while watching the game, occasionally commenting on the match.
Unknowingly, the final moments passed.
"Arsenal ultimately defeated Stoke City 3-0!"
"Congratulations to Arsenal for continuing their unbeaten streak!" the commentator exclaimed passionately.
After this match, Arsenal officially announced seven consecutive unbeaten games in the season!
This was a stark contrast to the previous fifteen winless games, like fire and ice. The debate among fans about whether a turning point had arrived was no longer important.
Because the current results were enough to silence the critics.
And the most crucial factor in this astonishing turnaround was Cao Baming's addition. Fans couldn't help but wonder what new transformation Henry's arrival would bring!
As the players left the field, Arteta displayed a rare look of excitement, embracing everyone in turn.
Following this match, the outside world intensified its expectations for Henry and Cao Baming.
"These two haven't even played, and Arsenal is already this strong?"
"If they play, won't Arsenal be invincible this season?"
"You can't say that. The results in the first half of the season were too dismal. Even if they are strong this season, they won't catch up to the top teams in the league. They'll probably only truly show their strength next season!"
"No worries! There's still the Champions League!"
The Champions League, officially known as the UEFA Champions League, is, aside from the World Cup, possibly the most influential tournament in the football world.
Before the main tournament begins, there are even qualifying rounds, and only clubs that have excelled in their respective leagues have the right to participate.
It can be said that only by winning the Champions League can a team be considered a truly strong force!
And with the return of Drogba and Henry, the Premier League is about to hold a significant position in the Champions League! It's even possible for one league to dominate, with an all-Premier League lineup in the semi-finals!
After all, the current Manchester City clearly possesses complete strength and can easily reach the semi-finals. This season, Chelsea and Arsenal also have this hope.