The match has begun! The referee blew the whistle!
Cao Baiming was positioned at defense, a spot that would likely not receive the first pass.
Messi received the ball, then exchanged a glance with Cao Baiming, and passed it to him.
Within the club, Messi understood him the best!
Cao Baiming's eyes flickered, and a sudden thought struck him.
Since this was a match presented as a birthday gift for him, why hold back a supreme treasure?
If five thousand points could guarantee a goal, it should be done with some ceremony. There was no need to wait for an opportunity; it was now!
After Cao Baiming received the ball, the surrounding players remained still, thinking it was just a normal back-pass for control.
However, he took a step forward, startling the four or five Chelsea players in front of him.
As expected, Cao Baiming had no intention of merely intimidating them. The ball arrived at his feet, and without a moment's hesitation, he made a shooting motion.
"He's serious!"
Chelsea typically did not employ high pressing at the start of a match, it was their usual habit. Yet, Cao Baiming shot from near the halfway line!
A loud thud echoed, and the football, like a piercing arrow, traversed half the field and flew towards the goal!
All players froze. Just a second ago, they were contemplating their opening tactics, and then Cao Baiming stepped forward.
He declared there was no need to think, nothing to ponder.
Activating the supreme treasure, it was a guaranteed goal, without any suspense, just like all previous guaranteed goals. After taking the shot, Cao Baiming didn't even look at the goal.
The goalkeeper wasn't ready either. Seeing the ball flying from midfield, he quickly prepared himself, but it was already too late.
Logically, from such a distance, the ball should take some time to reach the goal, allowing him ample time to prepare. Yet, strangely, the ball seemed to travel from midfield to the goalmouth in an instant!
This shot was from Cao Baiming's long range!
"Goal! Cao Baiming's long-range shots are as reliable as ever, no surprises!"
"The match has just begun, Cao Baiming with a decisive strike, a piercing arrow shot giving Arsenal an early lead!"
They had seen quick leads before, but one this fast was probably only possible for Arsenal, only for Cao Baiming.
The fans were brimming with excitement; this was the game they wanted to see!
Thrilling and intense. How could such an opening be seen elsewhere? It was moments like these that made them feel the tickets, more than twice the price of other games, were well worth it.
The commentators showered praise upon the shot, hailing it as a blend of practicality and artistry.
Who would have thought it would be like this right from the start!
For Chelsea's new coach, Graham Potter, this was a cause for great alarm!
As a head coach, the most feared scenario was the unexpected, especially when it occurred early in the match!
It had only been a minute, and this goal, a lightning-fast strike within twenty-odd seconds of kickoff, left no time for reaction. Not only was he bewildered, but everyone else was too.
Even Mikel Arteta hadn't anticipated such a sudden surprise.
Having secured the first goal, Cao Baiming had no intention of resting. Temporary satisfaction was out of the question. Since he aimed to break a record today, why not start with the highest number of goals in a half?
Currently, Alan Shearer held this record, with a total of 7 goals in a single match, and 4 in one half!
Coincidentally, he also held the record for the highest number of goals in a single Premier League season, but that was in the past. A mere 34 goals was an easy target for Cao Baiming.
Now that his record had been surpassed, the next target was Messi's single-season goal record, which might offer a slight challenge.
And among football fans, some might still tout the statistics of historical goal-scoring machines, some potentially even more formidable than Cao Baiming. But let's not forget, Cao Baiming was a defender.
What more was there to say?
Those with better defensive skills didn't score as many goals as him, and those who scored more didn't possess his defensive prowess. This was even in the past. In the near future, people would still firmly believe that no one would defend better than him, nor score more goals!
Cao Baiming calculated in his mind, his thoughts not affecting his performance on the field.
Seven goals in a single match against an opponent like Chelsea might not be easy, but scoring four in one half was achievable if he concentrated his key talents and skills.
With Henry absent now, the team's finishing ability upfront had declined significantly. Cao Baiming was well aware that this rare opportunity was perfect for boosting his personal statistics!
Breaking this record against Chelsea would undoubtedly be far more meaningful than doing so against a relegation-bound team, without a doubt.
The difficulty would also be greater.
Cao Baiming shouted instructions on the field, organizing the play. Although he had only joined the team for a year, he had inherited Henry's captain's armband, temporarily serving as the team captain.
He advanced to midfield, constantly initiating attacks.
Since Potter's Chelsea still favored a defensive approach, they would experience the true meaning of "unpreventable defense."
In five minutes, Arsenal had three shooting opportunities, continuously creating high-threat chances, all orchestrated by Cao Baiming.
These three chances did not even include Cao Baiming's sensational long-range shot from the start, as that had already resulted in a goal, altering the scoreline.
For Chelsea, these five minutes felt like an eternity!
They weathered wave after wave of attack, exhausted, mentally and physically drained, their nerves stretched to the limit, their morale severely tested.
And then, they checked the time. It had only been five minutes!
Cao Baiming had no intention of showing mercy. Seeing the opponent becoming increasingly timid, his offensive momentum only grew.
His teammates today focused on Cao Baiming's presence; whenever there was an opportunity, they would pass the ball to him. Even without a clear chance, as long as they had possession, they would pass it to him.
Who wouldn't want an assist? Moreover, it was considered a birthday gift for him.
Finding a good leader is important.
Giving roses leaves a lingering fragrance.
When the match reached the 7th minute, there was another routine run down the wing, this time from Martinelli.
And this time, it produced an extraordinary effect!
Perhaps even the goddess of fortune was on Arsenal's side today.
The moment Martinelli cut inside, his eyes flickered as he scanned his surroundings.