The league had only played a little over ten rounds, and with at least four or five more to go before the World Cup, the management's task for him was to achieve fifteen consecutive wins! Twenty unbeaten matches!
This was not an easy goal to achieve, especially with these recent developments, and the players he could rely on were returning to their home countries early.
Although he could piece together a barely usable lineup, truthfully, continuing the winning streak seemed like a fantasy.
It was manageable against weaker teams, but against strong opponents like Chelsea and Villarreal, it would be impossible.
At this moment, the players had already arrived on the pitch.
Some fans, having heard through unofficial channels, knew this was Cao Baming's last league match for Arsenal before the World Cup.
Cao Baming walked onto the pitch with a resolute expression, and the fans applauded him.
Although many others entered the field with him, they all knew that the majority of the applause was for Cao Baming, and had little to do with them.
In this match, Arsenal were away against Wolves, an English Premier League team with an air of youthful arrogance.
Their strength was not weak, and they had even defeated Tottenham and Manchester City at one point, but in terms of overall strength, they were not considered a formidable opponent.
For this match, Arteta had deployed his most frequently used formation, but he had already decided that if the game went smoothly, he would use this team for an experiment in the second half!
He wanted to see if his newly devised tactics could prove effective.
Cao Baming looked at the vibrant sunlight on the pitch. He saw the reflection of the light on the green turf and was reminded of the countless football enthusiasts who held onto this dream from childhood to adulthood, continuing to press forward with unwavering determination regardless of any obstacles.
Looking at the people around him, he knew that anyone who had reached this point must possess both talent and diligent effort.
The fans by the sidelines cheered enthusiastically, their fists clenched in a gesture of encouragement, charging their home team with energy. The atmosphere at Wolves' home ground was indeed magnificent.
Meanwhile, the two experienced head coaches had already begun to read and analyze the game. Although the match had not yet started, their thinking had already begun.
Both looked straight ahead, their gazes deep, their minds racing.
Perhaps they were both trying to guess what the other old man beside them was thinking at this very moment! But why couldn't they have foreseen this?
Looking at all the lovely people around him, Cao Baming could vaguely perceive their inner thoughts. While he couldn't fully comprehend them, grasping a general idea was easy.
The expressions on the faces of the female fans in the stands were full of adoration, some looking at him as if they wished they could sleep with him that very night.
Upon reaching the pitch and after the players had taken their positions, the referee blew his whistle.
Wolves came out like a storm, immediately initiating a high press!
However, Arsenal completely shrugged this off. They were equally adept at a possession-based style of play, with every player having honed their passing and control skills in training.
Normally, they defended against their own three formidable attackers. Today, they were facing opponents who were a full tier below.
It was like someone who usually tackled Level 100 dungeons was now facing Level 1 monsters; they wouldn't panic and problems would be unlikely.
Cao Baming's task in this match was to play well and try to complete another system quest. If he was lucky, he might even unlock a hidden quest and receive an unexpected reward.
Based on previous experience, the rewards for hidden quests were variable, some large and some small. Perhaps a super grand prize might appear!
After all, one could never have too many good things!
In less than ten minutes, Cao Baming assisted Messi for the opening goal!
Then, Cao Baming personally attempted a long-range shot and scored!
He could barely get a "safety net" anymore, which was a bit of a shame. Scoring with a casual shot was now the norm.
With this momentum, Arsenal continued to press, and by the end of the first half, the score was already 4:0.
Cao Baming had scored a brace!
When looking at the other statistics, especially possession, the spectators' eyes widened.
Eighty percent possession! This was no longer a dominant situation; it was a slaughter.
Generally, seventy percent possession indicated absolute control of the game, but eighty percent was simply exaggerated.
The fans exclaimed, "My imagination was insufficient after all! I wasn't bold enough!"
Besides possession, the shot count was 25:2, which was hardly worth mentioning.
What was terrifying was that Wolves, despite having four opportunities to restart the game from the center circle to stabilize their rhythm, were still being so thoroughly outplayed. This was simply unacceptable.
Today, they had completely lost face in front of their home crowd.
Cao Baming continued to shatter their spirits; his nickname was not given lightly!
Even from dozens of meters away, the fans could see the killer intent in his gaze and feel the oppressive aura emanating from him!
Soon, the second half commenced as usual.
During the halftime break, despite the opponent's attempts to change tactics, they were ultimately outmatched!
Unexpectedly, Arteta had prepared a grand surprise for them!
Before the match, he had discussed with Henry and Messi that they would be substituted in the second half.
At such a time, they naturally had no objections.
Cao Baming, as the absolute linchpin in midfield, needed to stay on the pitch for a while longer. Arteta wanted to test his new tactics!
With a 4-0 lead, surely there was no chance of a comeback!
However, once the substitution was made, there was no turning back. They couldn't just bring them back if it didn't feel right later. Thus, it wasn't until ten minutes into the second half,
which was the fifty-sixth minute of the match, that the substitute players were instructed to warm up.
Half a minute later, Arteta communicated with the referee on the sideline and displayed the substitution board!
When the numbers on the board were revealed, everyone was stunned!
The opposing Wolves coach looked over in disbelief, but he was secretly starting to rejoice!
Arteta's expression was calm, though he felt a pang of nervousness, a mix of anxiety and worry!
Cao Baming continued to observe the pitch. The departure of his two good partners was not entirely unexpected, as he had learned about it during halftime.
Moreover, more importantly, he himself wouldn't be on the pitch much longer!
Since the head coach wanted to test his new system, he should let him try!
As he spoke, the ball happened to come to his feet. Without a word, Cao Baming sprinted forward with the ball!
After drawing the attention of three defenders, he prepared to pass, but only then did he realize that the other two had already gone to the sidelines!
What was there to wait for?
He would do it himself!
A powerful shot!
In a flash, he scored again!
"Five-zero!!"