"Ding! Congratulations to the host for achieving a brand new accomplishment, matching Messi's record of sixty-nine goals in a single Premier League season! The reward can be chosen freely. Would you like to make your selection immediately?"
Cao Baming's eyes lit up. Hearing the system's voice at this moment was completely unexpected. He wasn't prepared at all, because the system usually sent a notification after breaking a record, but normally it was after breaking a record!
The key was the word "breaking." To break a record, at the very least, one had to surpass it numerically. Matching and breaking were clearly two different concepts.
He carefully recalled and couldn't think of a single time before this that the system had rewarded him for matching a record.
This was truly unprecedented!
"No, I'll save it for after the match," Cao Baming said as his teammates sprinted towards him.
This unexpected surprise instantly made Cao Baming's mind incredibly excited.
He had long anticipated this moment. When it finally happened, you might feel it was lacking, even unable to generate much enthusiasm. But a surprise was different. If the reward was unexpected, it could bring the kind of excitement and joy that was previously unimaginable.
Although it was only one goal ahead, the significance was immense.
Amidst the cheers and roars of the entire stadium, Cao Baming politely bowed to the thousands of spectators on the field. This was also a first.
His teammates excitedly rushed over to celebrate the goal, as this goal was more significant than any previous one. Even before the match, they had entertained such thoughts, and now it had come true.
After bowing and waving to the audience, Cao Baming turned and immediately saw his teammates rushing towards him, their faces filled with joy. This joy was not just for the goal, but more so for him.
Messi was at the forefront. As the original record holder, he showed no disappointment when his record was broken, but instead wore a very sincere smile.
It was clear he truly wished for someone to succeed him and continue to deliver brilliant performances for future fans.
And Cao Baming wasn't just succeeding him; he had surpassed him!
Although the statistics hadn't fully reflected it yet, the fact remained undeniable.
If anyone were to dispute it, the solution would be simple: just search online for a couple of Cao Baming's goal compilations, or even footage from an ordinary match of him receiving the ball. That would surely be enough to silence them.
As his teammates closed in, the entire Arsenal team embraced.
At this moment, all the fans were incredibly excited, satisfied to be present to witness this scene. The image of Messi and Cao Baming embracing sincerely was truly unforgettable.
The commentator's praise was passionate, but at this moment, all words seemed inadequate, as nothing was more exciting than the facts.
Manchester City had truly become the backdrop!
And it was worse than imagined. Not only were they a backdrop for Messi, but also for Cao Baming!
They were even the backdrop for Arsenal's thirtieth consecutive unbeaten streak. They would never have imagined this.
Even with their strong mental fortitude, the Manchester City players could no longer cope. In such a situation, people would inevitably think of many misfortunes.
The world in their eyes became negative and decadent, as if nothing would ever improve, everything was already terrible, and it would only get worse.
The Manchester City players' form reverted to what it was in their Champions League match two weeks prior.
Seeing this, even Guardiola finally conceded. He unceremoniously used his last substitution, replacing Mahrez, who had barely touched the ball in the attack, with the defensive player Gomez.
Despite having a weakness in their lineup, they no longer cared. What time was it? Five-nil! What was there to think about?
Manchester City was once again forced to park the bus. It reminded them of the last time they were beaten like this by Arsenal in their previous match.
As Arsenal fans, they naturally wanted to see this happen. The current situation was incredibly satisfying for them.
Even the mighty Manchester City had their nemesis, and that nemesis was clearly Arsenal. Although they had always maintained a fiery form and dominated matches against other Premier League teams like Chelsea or Liverpool, regardless of their form, they always appeared so disheveled when facing Arsenal.
However, there was another explanation: at the fundamental level, it was a complete mismatch, and there was no such thing as being "countered."
While the fans were still discussing these issues, the game on the field had already seen dramatic shifts.
After Arsenal made one final substitution, their entire formation was ignited. Their attacks were continuous, like a Gatling gun firing barrages at Manchester City's defense. Even though they were trying their best to defend, having given up any thought of attacking, they still couldn't hold on.
There were still twenty minutes left in the match. At this rate, even if they defended desperately until the end, problems would eventually arise.
Moreover, the Manchester City players were not walls or blocks of stone. They were human, and humans get tired, especially mentally.
Despite this reality, Guardiola was helpless. He turned his head, seemingly resigned to the fact that the outcome would only worsen and would never improve.
Just as he turned his head, two seconds later, a roar erupted from the stands. Guardiola's heart skipped a beat!
He was numb. They must have conceded another goal!
Guardiola reluctantly turned back to look at the field, but for a moment, he was utterly stunned by what he saw!