These simple words sounded like a child leaving home.
He had nothing else to say. He understood immediately, nodded gently, and then moved to the back line to quietly switch positions with Cao Baming.
On the sideline, Arteta keenly observed this scene and was startled.
This was wrong. He had originally said that he should defend obediently in the first half and only be given a chance to go forward in the second half if the situation allowed. This guy was clearly impatient!
Who cared about Haaland?!
Arteta was so angry he almost jumped, but he could do nothing.
He had never seen such a disobedient player before, but he was the team's star player, so he couldn't afford to offend him!
Helpless, he could only continue to watch the match.
Soon, Cao Baming had quietly moved to midfield.
Haaland happened to be in the same area. He turned his head and suddenly saw Cao Baming's face, startling him instantly.
Amidst his shock, he didn't forget to remind his defensive teammates that Cao Baming had come out of the defense. This was a major signal!
Based on past match experience, once Cao Baming broke free from his positional constraints and became a free agent on the field, his intensity would increase by more than one level.
He was a huge threat, whether scoring or assisting!
Soon, many people noticed Cao Baming's position, while Haaland tried his best to avoid him. Seeing Cao Baming move to midfield, he was actually secretly delighted.
Because it meant that he would have a higher chance of scoring when an opportunity arose later!
Cao Baming quickly read the game. With his God's-eye view, he could clearly see everyone on the field running and even make predictions.
Haaland's movements were naturally within his observation.
At this moment, Henry seized a huge mistake and successfully stole the ball from Gundogan. He then created some space and immediately shot, kicking the ball out before the opposing defenders could get into position!
Unfortunately, in such a short amount of time, Henry didn't have time to adjust the speed of his shot to the desired level, and it was saved by the goalkeeper.
Manchester City's defense then arrived, timely clearing the ball towards midfield.
Seeing this, Haaland immediately began to sprint forward, while Cao Baming had just come out and had no time to retreat.
Seeing the ball fly high over his head, Cao Baming was shocked.
He had calculated everything, but never expected to encounter such a ball right after coming out. If he had been given another two minutes, he would definitely not have missed it.
But it was too late to say anything now. Haaland had already started accelerating from a standstill, reaching an incredible speed in just one second.
Even though he activated his "flying bird" skill and desperately tried to catch up, it was already too late. Haaland had run too far ahead, and it was impossible to catch up.
Cao Baming could only look with anticipation at his defensive teammates. The four of them formed a bronze wall, seemingly impenetrable, with no room for Haaland to break through.
On the sideline, Arteta also felt a surge of tension, his heart pounding in his throat.
As soon as Haaland started, his body transformed into a speeding train. With these two defenders, there was no way to stop him.
Haaland continued to run at high speed, controlling the ball and stopping it. With a sideways movement and two large strides, he bypassed both defenders directly. They couldn't even hold him back, and almost fell themselves.
The gap was so obvious. Without Cao Baming in defense, everyone else's defense was as thin as paper.
"Ah, it's over!"
Cao Baming looked straight ahead and saw Haaland alone charging into the penalty area!
The fans erupted in cheers, and Haaland, with his momentum, unleashed a powerful shot and scored!
"Goal!"
"goALLLLLL!!"
Haaland slid and then assumed a meditative sitting posture to celebrate the goal.
He had publicly stated that this pose helped him calm down.
The two defenders he had forcefully shouldered aside were still sweating.
The spectators on the sidelines were in an uproar. Haaland had indeed not disappointed his fans!
While his appearance couldn't compare, his scoring ability was certainly present!
"A direct assist from Cancelo, Haaland! He's equalized!"
"Manchester City, one to Arsenal's zero!!"
Zhan Jun shouted excitedly.
At the 23rd minute, Manchester City showed everyone that Arsenal was not invincible and had weaknesses!
Although the pre-match goal was not achieved, Guardiola smiled with satisfaction.
With Haaland, it was possible to score goals in this manner.
Cao Baming was filled with helplessness, knowing that after the match, someone would likely criticize him again. He would have to bear the blame.
However, if the pass hadn't been so sudden, he would have been able to anticipate it. It could only be said that if the ball had come twenty seconds earlier or twenty seconds later, he would have been able to deal with it!
He could only lament his bad luck!
With the score tied, the suspense of the match heightened once again.
The first half was more than halfway through.
They returned to the center circle for the kickoff. This time, it was Arsenal's turn to start.
Cao Baming made a firm decision in his heart. Even if they couldn't defend, staying in the back line was not a solution.
At the very least, they needed to pass the ball to the front from the defensive midfield position. Otherwise, if they were constantly pressed back, even Messi and Henry, without the ball, couldn't score no matter how divine they were.
Soon, both teams spread out their formations.
Cao Baming, as planned, moved to the back to organize the play.
The match proceeded without any unexpected events. Although Haaland occasionally got the ball, he had few chances to shoot.
Another twenty minutes passed in the blink of an eye. Although both teams had opportunities and the ball possession was constantly exchanged, the score remained unchanged.
Despite such an intense match, few goals were scored, leaving the fans anxious.
But there was nothing they could do.
"The match time has reached the final minute of the first half!"
Manchester City's control was terrifying. Even though Cao Baming was giving his all, the entire team was still being pressed, unable to cross the halfway line.
In the final minute, the ball came to Cao Baming's feet.
At the last moment, he could no longer hold back. Cao Baming's gaze became sharp.
At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind: to score!
Haaland was left behind. Cao Baming firmly controlled the ball and drove forward himself, making a clear path.
Seeing this, Guardiola instantly panicked.
He shouted at the field!
His voice echoed across the stadium, and Manchester City's players quickly tensed up and rushed to block him.
Cao Baming brought the ball past midfield and shot directly!