The pitch suddenly transformed into a chessboard!
Cao Baiming's eyes gleamed as he surveyed the entire field. As expected, the moment his mindset shifted, even the things he saw became entirely different.
Now, what Cao Baiming saw went far beyond simply scoring goals or organizing attacks. He could see more, witness how each individual impacted the game, and how a simple influence could lead to different outcomes through a series of decisions and various circumstances!
Since that was the case, why not calculate how to make Liverpool score, and more importantly, how to make Salah score!
If he were to directly ease up on his defensive intensity and deliberately throw the game, the observant eyes on the field were not foolish. If the fans caught on, it would cause immense trouble later on.
Furthermore, even if the fans didn't notice, there was still the coach on the sidelines. No matter how incompetent he was, he was at least a seasoned veteran and would surely see through it.
Making the opponent score was indeed more difficult than scoring himself!
Cao Baiming narrowed his eyes, observing more closely. On the pitch, Salah's presence became the absolute focal point. From his movements, it appeared his desire to carry the ball forward and dribble past opponents was still not strong.
In that case, why not help him regain his confidence? If the young player Evan was marking him on the left flank, the situation might be different.
Observing the situation on the field, Cao Baiming tactically retreated two steps. As expected, the central midfielder instinctively followed, triggering a chain reaction.
The coach had drilled the players on tactics until they were deeply ingrained. With overlapping runs and cover, if even one player changed position, the entire formation should seamlessly adapt to the optimal solution. All players were expected to move instinctively.
A few seconds later, even though the ball was with the opposing team, Arsenal's formation quietly shifted to the left.
Seeing the determined glint in Keita's eyes as he carried the ball, Cao Baiming knew he was the true breakthrough point!
Two seconds later, just as Cao Baiming had predicted, Keita received the ball!
However, despite accurately predicting this, this time was vastly different from usual. Cao Baiming did not move ahead to intercept the predicted pass, nor did he position himself in advance to prepare for an interception.
On the contrary, Cao Baiming ran in the opposite direction, even deliberately shifting the entire team's formation to the left beforehand, leaving Salah on the right flank in a vast expanse of space!
Beside him was just a new defensive midfielder, the young player Evan! Facing a one-on-one situation, even if his form wasn't at its best, Salah still possessed the ability to break through!
Cao Baiming looked at Keita with anticipation!
Having gone this far, if he couldn't score, it would be too disappointing!
Soon, Keita carried the ball into the frontcourt. At this point, Cao Baiming and his teammates began to surround him. They were approaching the penalty box, a position that required vigilance.
However, Keita glanced to his right and saw Salah sprinting forward!
The right flank was an open expanse, like a verdant grassland, a defensive vulnerability even an amateur fan could spot!
Keita's eyes lit up. What a stroke of luck!
Without hesitation, he immediately played a through ball! It sliced diagonally across the grass, sharp as a sword, heading straight for a spot two meters in front of Salah!
Cao Baiming's lips curled slightly, feeling reasonably satisfied!
Just then, a gust of wind swept across the field, as if carrying some kind of omen!
Salah effortlessly left the young defender behind with a stop and go, then cut inside and entered the penalty box!
This was his favorite position, wasn't it? Don't disappoint me!
Cao Baiming thought to himself, he was actually worrying about an opposing player now. He would do anything for points!
But no matter what, the World Cup was the most important thing. At such a crucial juncture, gaining more points to improve himself was only natural!
The eyes of the entire stadium were fixed on the goal. Under the intense scrutiny, Salah unleashed a magical curling shot, a subtle arc that sailed past the center-back and the goalkeeper into the dead corner of the net!
Indeed, the King of Football's prowess was beyond doubt!
The crowd erupted!
"What a beautiful strike! Salah's shot carved out a wicked arc in front of the goal!"
"This is the Pharaoh's comfortable zone. In this position, his goal-scoring rate is world-class!"
"Keita's through ball was equally brilliant! It instantly revitalized the entire attack, making it so smooth!"
However, the commentators made no mention of the defensive vulnerabilities Arsenal had just exposed.
Many Arsenal fans, those with some football experience, vaguely sensed that something was amiss but couldn't quite articulate it.
Celebrating the goal, Salah sprinted wildly to the sideline, seemingly releasing the pressure from the entire match, even including the previous game against Arsenal.
His determined gaze and expression seemed to convey to the fans, "I am still the best!"
This should bring back his confidence, shouldn't it? Cao Baiming's lips curved slightly upward.
Judging by his demeanor, it seemed like half the job was done.
At this moment, Cao Baiming found Salah's ecstatic run almost comical, as if he truly believed he had scored through his own skill.
But since it was profitable, he would continue to play along and let them enjoy themselves for a while longer!
The cheers from the spectators gradually subsided, and the players from both teams returned to their positions for the restart.
Klopp on the sidelines was extremely excited, pumping his fists to encourage his players on the field, as if he were also rallying the fans in the stands behind him.
Look, look! Who was doubting before? Now you have nothing to say!
As Liverpool fans, regardless of whether they expressed doubts or anything else, they were happy to see a goal. Winning the match would naturally make them even happier!
However, this was not the time to let their guard down. PSG's experience in the first leg of the Champions League group stage had truly taught all the teams a lesson.
"Never assume you've secured victory, especially when facing Arsenal!"
And at this very moment, as the fiery celebration cooled down, a glance at the scoreboard revealed it was only a draw!
1-1!
The first half continued, and soon, more than half of it had passed!
After that goal, Salah clearly regained his confidence. His work rate and frequency of demanding the ball had changed significantly compared to before.