In the second half, Cao Baming began to make vertical runs.
This form of running involved interchanging positions between the defensive line, the midfield pivot, and the forward line, darting back and forth across the pitch like a nimble bird.
It left opponents completely bewildered, never knowing where Cao Baming would appear next!
Cao Baming's ability to play this way was unprecedented in history, as the requirements were incredibly high, demanding a god-like perspective and top-tier awareness!
Each of his runs wasn't just a random departure from his designated position; they were calculated decisions made after accurately predicting the ball's trajectory.
This was precisely why Arteta remained silent. Although the player was disobedient, he was utterly incapable of controlling him.
Every single one of Cao Baming's runs yielded excellent results, and even the coach couldn't comprehend it. Perhaps this was the difference, the fundamental gap between individuals: a difference in intellect.
The score was already three-nil. What further surprises could there be?
Cao Baming's eyes glinted as he nimbly weaved past Bissouma, through Romero's blind spot, and reappeared beside Henry.
At this moment, the ball hadn't arrived, but he was already in position.
Spectators on the sidelines held their breath.
"The ball is still with Tottenham, why is Cao Baming rushing to the front so eagerly! Is he finally going to pay the price?"
"Alas..."
However, just then, White and Eriksen pounced from behind Perišić, dispossessing him of the ball. They looked up to locate Cao Baming on the pitch.
"Damn it, when did this guy dart so far ahead!"
Despite the distance, they opted for a direct pass!
The fans who had voiced their doubts were immediately proven wrong. Looking at Cao Baming's position, he could practically shoot directly upon receiving the ball, with ample space around him!
"Could it be... he predicted his teammate's interception??"
As things became increasingly absurd, fans found themselves resorting to superstitious explanations.
Yet, all Cao Baming was employing was probability theory!
White's pass was far more comfortable to receive than his own, with a slower speed making it easy to control!
However, by the time the ball flew over his head, the space around him was rapidly diminishing.
He had only just snuck into this position when he was discovered!
But he was already accustomed to such surrounding blocks. Upon receiving the ball, he immediately flicked it up with the instep of his foot!
"Holy crap!"
"Wow...!"
The ball was flicked up by Cao Baming, sailing over the heads of two charging defenders and landing behind them! 138 Reading Network
The two defenders lunged into empty space, or rather, they collided with each other!
And Cao Baming had already sprinted past them on the flank!
The fans on the pitch even worried that Cao Baming wouldn't control the ball, recalling how he had once sent a long-range pass two meters out of bounds!
Though that was over a month ago, the fans remembered it vividly, because in this world, nobody was perfect!
Cao Baming smiled slightly.
"Who needs to control the ball? Anyone who stops it is a wuss!"
At this moment, he was positioned just outside the top-left corner of the penalty area.
In the center, Henry was tightly marked by two center-backs.
On the left, Ødegaard was accelerating to offer support. Although he knew it was likely a wasted run, such movement could still draw some defenders away!
Wait, the defenders weren't even looking at him?
What the fans actually wanted to see was Cao Baming being a bit selfish and going for it himself!
But faced with three or four players blocking his path, Cao Baming felt helpless. The numbers in front of him only registered in the low forties.
He was well aware of his luck today and couldn't afford to take such risks!
In an instant, four defenders actively closed in, attempting to dispossess Cao Baming, but it wouldn't be that easy!
"I just acquired a top-tier talent, might as well play around with them!"
The ball remained at Cao Baming's feet, moving nimbly. His body seemed to dance, and from the distant stands, it looked more like a brawl!
More and more defenders surrounded him, completely engulfing him.
Although Tottenham wasn't employing a packed defense tactic this match, once the ball was in the possession of either Cao Baming or Henry, deploying more players was essential!
It was far too naive to think one or two players could stop them!
As Cao Baming was stuck in the middle outside the box, the defenders applied immense pressure, their tackles even becoming quite rough.
Cao Baming was pinned in the center, unable to pass, with no space to shoot. At least four feet were frantically probing below, trying to hook the ball away!
A few seconds later, the fans still hadn't heard the referee's whistle!
But to their surprise, after all that maneuvering, not only was the ball not stolen, but he had actually created space for himself!
Cao Baming himself was a bit astonished. Either these defenders were playing carelessly as if they hadn't eaten, or the talent boost was simply too powerful!
The spectators, their vision obscured, couldn't even clearly see how he had magically conjured the ball out of the tight situation!
As he reached the edge of the penalty area, a shooting line appeared before Cao Baming, reading 79!
He could shoot now!
Immediately, he saw a passing lane, the entire line shimmering with a golden light!
Henry had somehow shrugged off two center-backs and created space to receive the pass!
Cao Baming pondered for a moment and chose to pass!
The golden line indicated it should be a good pass!
With this pass, Cao Baming sent a low, curling ball that allowed Henry to receive it with ease!
The goalkeeper was positioned to anticipate Cao Baming's own shot. Henry, without controlling the ball, immediately struck it into the other side of the net!
"Good goal!!"
"GOALLLLLLL!"
The stadium erupted in excitement.
"It's four-nil! Have Arsenal's duo gone berserk?"
"These two, Cao Baming and Henry, neither of them stops the ball!"
Henry looked excitedly at Cao Baming, his eyes filled with admiration!
The replay was shown!
It turned out it wasn't Henry's goal!
But rather, a replay of Cao Baming dribbling past five players outside the box!
The audience applauded enthusiastically!
Those who had missed it earlier now got to see it – so thoughtful!
Everyone was incredibly curious about how he had broken through a dense five-man defense, which seemed impossible to normal players!
The replay showed Cao Baming using quick touches and feints, sometimes with body movements, as multiple defenders lunged forward but all missed the ball!
Not a single defender touched it, not even a graze!
With a combination of two or three technical moves, Cao Baming weaved past the defenders, actively creating a path for himself!
Even Messi would have applauded!
Following that, his pass was the epitome of a perfectly laid assist.
It was simply impossible to defend!