The half-time break had concluded, and the players began to walk back onto the pitch, leaving the curiosity to be temporarily suppressed.
The stadium's stands were still buzzing, but the initial fervor had subsided. Many were glued to their phones, staring intently at the bright screens.
Observing the scene by the sideline, Cao Baming sighed faintly.
He suspected that he wouldn't need to check the news later; the expressions and behavior of the spectators would likely give him a good idea of what had happened.
With a whistle, the second half commenced.
The players on the field remained focused on the ongoing match. News from outside could be heard, but their attention needed to be fully dedicated to the game ahead.
For Arsenal, having secured a three-goal lead, the task ahead was straightforward. They could play freely and easily win this match, thereby extending their unbeaten run to an eighteenth game.
Southampton, on the other hand, was in a precarious situation. At this moment, some players might still harbor a sliver of hope.
This hope wasn't necessarily to win the match, but perhaps to simply hold the 3-0 scoreline until the very end!
For them, simply preventing the score from widening further would be a victory.
The thought of winning had long since vanished from their minds.
A few minutes later, an Arsenal attack once again created a threat. Ten Southampton players were packed inside the penalty area, yet Cao Baming, weaving through two defenders alone, threaded a pass that zipped through countless legs.
Henry and Saka, positioned upfront, were as surprised as the opposing players, their reactions too slow for the ball's blistering speed.
Despite this, the ball struck the post. Those unfamiliar might have mistaken it for a shot, but those who knew Cao Baming understood that he wouldn't miss by such a margin or with such little power from that distance.
Messi, following up, received the rebound from the post and calmly slotted the ball home.
He offered Cao Baming a brilliant smile.
If Cao Baming's earlier action was considered a shot, then Messi was still the provider of the assist. The attacking trio in the final third was like the sharp claws of a demon, capable of tearing apart any defensive formation.
Arsenal's only enemy now was time.
Imperceptibly, the clock had ticked to sixty-five minutes. Both sides had made substitutions. For Southampton, trailing by four goals, the coach had no tactical changes left to implement; he was already in despair.
The current substitutions were merely player rotations to conserve energy for key players in the next match, bringing on fresh legs to inject some vitality into the team.
Arsenal also made a change: Odegaard came on for Messi, not for any other reason than to preserve his strength.
Messi was no longer at his peak. Although he could easily play another sixty-five minutes, his stamina would suffice, but it would increase the risk of fatigue and injury.
Arteta was unwilling to let his precious asset get injured on the field, so protecting him was the priority.
Not long after, Henry was also substituted off. Arteta then brought on two new players in quick succession, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the league's rhythm.
The only player remaining on the field was Cao Baming. Despite his recent return from a major injury, the coaching staff had no concerns about him getting hurt, having witnessed firsthand the incredible physical conditioning he possessed.
For the Southampton players at this moment, seeing the opposing side bring on new recruits while their key players, who were still physically capable and not experiencing any major issues, were being substituted off was undoubtedly the greatest insult.
Typically, coaches would only grant new players opportunities in less important matches, or against opponents so weak that victory was a foregone conclusion.
Yet, it was only sixty-five minutes into the game, with so much time remaining, and the opponent seemed entirely unconcerned.
For Cao Baming, the situation was as clear as it could be.
How could this match be lost?
There was no need to exert himself for goals; no need to inflate the scoreline. Winning would be enough to secure their unbeaten record.
As the game progressed, observing the situation on the pitch, Cao Baming moved to the center of the field.
He received a pass from a new player, then played it to another newcomer. For a moment, Cao Baming felt as though he was back with the Tang national team, the midfield almost completely empty.
He was the sole absolute orchestrator in midfield, and even his 'Empty Fort Strategy' talent seemed to activate.
In the ensuing period, even with Cao Baming effectively leading the team alone, he dominated the match.
Despite relentless attacks, Southampton held firm. However, the players on the field were mentally collapsing.
The moniker "Cao Baming, the Mind Crusher" seemed more fitting than ever.
This title had been continuously proven correct from its first inception to every match since. If anyone else were branded with it, their spirit would likely crumble within three days.
Even if they could last three days, they certainly wouldn't last a week before their facade would crack.
As the game continued, finally, in the eighty-second minute, Southampton had an opportunity for a counter-attack!
This time, it was a rebound from a substitute who had come on in the second half, which the goalkeeper safely gathered. Before anyone had time to turn, the goalkeeper suddenly kicked the ball towards midfield!
Southampton had a player up front to receive it, and after a second's hesitation, he surged forward.
Cao Baming had already advanced to the forward position, with a vast expanse of open space ahead.
Indeed, the goalkeeper's moment had arrived.
The mindset of the Southampton players had completely changed from before. Earlier, they might have still tried to defend with some effort.
Now, they had utterly given up on that. If there was a chance to score, they intended to seize it!
In an instant, the player was sprinting past midfield. This was Southampton's sole moment of brilliance in the entire match, yet the fans on the sideline showed little reaction!
Cao Baming's peripheral vision caught sight of the stands, only to discover that most of the fans were engrossed in their phones, their faces contorted as if they had seen a ghost!
Could it be that some news had broken out??
In an instant, the player, leading the charge, sprinted across midfield, with only one defender, White, left to meet him.