A few days passed, and the eagerly anticipated match finally arrived.
The Tottenham versus Stoke City game was scheduled for the day before Arsenal's, marking the final round of the Premier League season.
Although significant shifts in the overall standings were unlikely, the previous match between Arsenal and Tottenham, which Arsenal won by a considerable margin, had placed the two teams in second and third positions, with their points incredibly close.
If Tottenham were to draw or lose their next match against Stoke City, wouldn't that mean the runner-up position would be secured for Arsenal in advance?
All attention was focused on this particular match that afternoon, as it was of utmost importance to the team.
Even their own training had been temporarily put aside, as the outcome of this game might be even more significant and crucial than their own match at home tomorrow.
The fans were naturally aware of this. Consequently, many Arsenal supporters had already tuned into the live broadcast of the match, and some had even come to the stadium to watch.
Even knowing how slim the chances were, one had to hold onto that sliver of hope.
The match soon began, with both teams playing at Stoke City's home ground for this round. Tottenham, as the away team, faced the challenge.
The Stoke City fans were visibly excited and enthusiastic. Their team was already outside the top ten, and their position was unlikely to change regardless of this match's outcome. While they might not have been overly concerned with league standings at this point, they still hoped for an exciting and beautiful game.
From the outset, Tottenham immediately displayed a champion's demeanor. They employed a high-pressing tactic and, surprisingly, only deployed three center-backs in defense.
This was a completely new system, a new experiment.
As the game progressed, the gap between the two teams became increasingly apparent.
Although Stoke City's spirit was high, their technical skills on the ball were undeniably inferior to Tottenham's. Consequently, their possession rate was a stark 4-6, falling behind their opponents.
In terms of shots, within the first 30 minutes, both teams had three attempts. However, the crucial difference was that all three of Tottenham's shots were on target, while Stoke City's all missed the mark.
The reason for this was that Stoke City's three shots were all long-range attempts; they were simply incapable of penetrating the penalty area.
Cao Ba Ming watched the match live on screen and, at this point, had largely given up hope.
The difference in strength between the two teams seemed too vast. Unless something extraordinary happened, Tottenham would undoubtedly win this match comfortably.
As expected, just two minutes later, a successful link-up between Harry Kane and Romero resulted in a corner. Ultimately, Harry Kane himself scored the goal with a header.
The score was now 1-0, with Tottenham in the lead.
Arsenal's players and coaching staff sighed repeatedly upon seeing the score.
"Can't you show some fight, Stoke City!"
Alas, the players on the field also wished they could, but they lacked the capability. Soon, the halftime whistle blew.
During the halftime break, in Arsenal's locker room, the players began to relax.
"Alright, alright, let's not expect anything from this match. It's simply wishful thinking."
"It's so boring to watch. We might as well treat ourselves to some good food and drinks!"
"Exactly, watching this game is just asking for trouble. How could that small team possibly beat Tottenham? It's too far-fetched!"
"Want to go for a drink?"
"Now?"
"Yes, right now!"
"But the coach..."
"Don't worry, it'll be fine!"
...
Gradually, everyone lost interest in the match. As for the result, they would see it later.
As professional players, they could tell from the first half what kind of a disaster the second half would likely be.
He joined a few teammates at a bar near the stadium.
After a period of rest, there was nothing else to dwell on.
Amidst laughter, banter, and games, time flew by rapidly. Unbeknownst to them, the other match was nearing its end.
In just over forty minutes, time had passed so quickly. Cao Ba Ming opened his phone and realized.
Suddenly, he remembered the ongoing match. Judging by the time, it should be just about to end, or perhaps in the stoppage time.
Driven by curiosity, he wanted to click in and see what the current score was.
Upon opening it, he saw the match wasn't over yet. Two prominent numbers then appeared before his eyes, causing Cao Ba Ming's eyes to widen significantly.
"What's wrong? What's going on, brother, what's happening!"
Those beside him looked at Cao Ba Ming curiously.
"Are you watching the match? Has that game concluded?"
Cao Ba Ming stared at the screen, remaining silent, and merely nodded gently. At the same time, he tapped the screen to open the live broadcast. The current time was precisely in the stoppage time.
"What's the score?" the people at the table asked simultaneously.
"1-1!" Cao Ba Ming replied, gesturing with both hands.
"What???"
Stoke City and Tottenham drawing 1-1? What was this strange news? They had been battered in the first half!
At that moment, Cao Ba Ming's expression suddenly turned serious again, his eyes fixed intently on the screen.
A few seconds later, a cacophony of cheers erupted from the screen, which the people around them also heard.
"How is it, how is it? Did another goal get scored?"
Cao Ba Ming, caught up in the excitement, cheered along.
"Hahaha, that's right! Our 'big baby' actually won, who would have thought!"
"And it was a last-minute winner in stoppage time!"
His teammates also wore expressions of surprise, and then raised their wine glasses.
"Cheers, brothers, to our 'big baby'!"
"This great gift came so suddenly! Have we secured the runner-up position in advance?"
"You could say that. After all, we can't possibly lose!"
In the bar, the young men, like madmen, began to dance in their seats, cheering passionately.
Arteta, on the other hand, watched the entire live broadcast of the match alone. His expression shifted from one of melancholy to one of sheer delight.
"They really stepped up!"