The situation did not improve.
After coming onto the field, Mount began relaying the coach's arrangements to his teammates, acting as a messenger.
However, there was one problem he couldn't solve: his teammates' morale had been shattered by Cao Baiming.
The players continued the match on instinct.
For players like those in the Chelsea team, even relying on instinct could lead to excellent performances, as they were naturally gifted and technically proficient.
In the 37th minute, Mount initiated a counter-attack. The coach's intention was not to give up but to still consider how to equalize the score.
After all, they were ranked 3rd in the league table. Chelsea could absolutely not afford to concede defeat like Southampton did in the previous match, where they simply tried to run down the clock after falling behind, rather than pursuing an equalizer.
This attack ultimately resulted in a shot from Drogba. This time, he did not disappoint expectations, unleashing a powerful shot that flew directly towards the center of the goal.
The goalkeeper rushed out and managed to touch the ball with his hands, but was unable to push it away. The trajectory of the ball barely changed, and it found its way into the net, bringing one goal back.
With this goal, Chelsea's morale received a brief boost.
However, it was only for a short time, an extremely short time, lasting less than two minutes.
Because in the very next moment, Cao Baiming stepped up once again.
Since today was his birthday, he wanted to score as many goals as possible and didn't need to hold back too much.
Cao Baiming was positioned on the left flank, just ahead of midfield. After receiving the ball, only four players came to double-team him. How could he tolerate such disrespect?
Cao Baiming's gaze suddenly flickered, becoming sharp and piercing. He then used a few feints and changes of direction to surge forward, shaking off two defenders before proceeding to inspect the next line of defense.
Just as the defenders were contemplating what dribbling move he would use next to get past them, Cao Baiming shot without hesitation.
Another incredible long-range shot!
Looking at the trajectory, Cao Baiming faintly saw a light green line, perhaps a hint that he could score a similar goal from this position again.
However, before he could get a clear look at the numbers, the ball was already kicked out. This time, the path to the goal was almost completely unobstructed.
The entire stadium erupted in gasps again. Cao Baiming, single-handedly, was raising the match to a fever pitch time and again.
For Chelsea fans, however, today was simply a nightmare.
The football flew at incredible speed along an unbelievable trajectory, exactly as Cao Baiming had envisioned, and as expected, it entered the net!
The goalkeeper could only watch in despair; he was helpless.
Cao Baiming's shots were incredibly difficult to save. Unless he missed the target or hit the post, the probability of a goalkeeper stopping the ball was almost lower than saving a penalty kick.
If, one day, the rules of football were changed to allow players to choose between a free-kick in the attacking third or a penalty kick, it would be preferable to let other players take penalties rather than let Cao Baiming have a free-kick opportunity in the attacking third.
"Astonishing! Truly the divine being of Tang country! A true god!"
"After completing a hat-trick in the first half, he has now completed a poker!"
Subsequently, the staff behind him reminded him that this goal's significance was far more than just exciting.
"This goal by Cao Baiming is of immense significance. He has now equaled Alan Shearer's record for the most goals scored in a single half in the Premier League! Four goals!"
"There are still a full seven minutes remaining in regular time of the first half, and even added time for stoppages. These combined times are quite substantial. If this defender scores another goal, he will set a new Premier League record for individual goals in a half!!!"
The fans became even more excited.
Even the Chelsea fans began to get excited. Was Cao Baiming truly going to make history today?
It no longer mattered that their beloved team was becoming a backdrop; they were fortunate to witness this moment live.
It was already predictable that after this match ended, a large number of Chelsea fans would completely switch their allegiance and become Arsenal fans, supporters of Cao Baiming!
His teammates were stunned by Cao Baiming. They knew they had to continuously set him up for chances today, but recalling their efforts, they had basically all been made in midfield, or when he was surrounded by multiple opponents.
Honestly, those passes weren't very effective. But, given that it was Cao Baiming, he had already done enough to reach this point.
Even Messi had nothing to say.
From afar, Henry was watching the match via live broadcast and was beginning to regret not being on the field himself.
"It's already five-one?"
Even his friend beside him was astonished. Five-one at halftime, six goals in total, and Cao Baiming had scored four of them himself!
This was incredibly rare, especially against Chelsea.
What bothered Henry the most wasn't his absence from the field, but that they were performing so well even without him.
The worst part was that they didn't need him at all!
It was even better without him, which was unbearable.
Henry picked up a clear glass from the small table beside him, took a sip of water, and then looked back at the screen.
At this moment, it was 42 minutes and 30 seconds, and the score remained five-one.
Cao Baiming's eyes flickered. He could already feel the dawn of victory not far ahead.
Enhancement potions, bird skills, team aura!
He had used everything he could. He knew he had very few items left. Normally, he could easily dominate a match with his own abilities and wouldn't need to consider such things.
But today was different. Celebrating with a grand gesture before his birthday was like giving himself a gift.
Chelsea's defense was still full of loopholes. Helplessly, the head coach began shouting instructions from the sidelines: the midfielders should fall back to defend, and even the forwards were to retreat.