As the Liverpool match approached, the team intensified its training.
Over three consecutive days of training, the head coach and the team worked hard to integrate Cao Baiming into the new system. The system was now largely complete.
Although Henry's addition would necessitate further adjustments, the current situation did not allow for long-term planning. They had to address the immediate issues first.
Cao Baiming was crucial to solving these problems!
The new system designed by the coach precisely required more transitional play and organization. Perhaps the coach had noticed Cao Baiming's recent changes.
Without this new talent, he wouldn't have felt capable of handling the system!
The outside world eagerly anticipated this match. After all, these were two established powerhouses with massive fan bases, and their direct confrontation was bound to be a visual feast.
Liverpool ranked second in the Premier League standings, only four points behind the leaders, Manchester City, and even surpassed them in goal difference.
With the entire team in scorching form, Salah was even nominated for the Ballon d'Or, entering the top three for the first time!
Arsenal's situation was a bit more complex. Cao Baiming's injury status was uncertain, and whether Henry could play was also unknown. However, external speculation generally believed that at least one of these two stars would feature.
Otherwise, how could they possibly contend with a Liverpool side in such red-hot form?
Having won seven consecutive league matches, Arsenal's fan base had surged dramatically in just two months. Henry's arrival, in particular, had drawn a significant amount of new attention to Liverpool.
As for Cao Baiming, though his popularity didn't quite match Henry's, he had tens of millions of fans from Tang country behind him. This instantly made Arsenal the most supported team in Tang country, surpassing Real Madrid and Barcelona!
Currently, while Arsenal remained unbeaten, they still didn't rank high in the league standings, sitting in seventh place, even behind West Ham United!
The next match was crucial. A victory would essentially guarantee them a rise of two, or even three, places within a week!
They could even put Chelsea under their feet!
The entire club saw hope; the opportunity for Arsenal to regain its former glory seemed imminent!
Before the match, Cao Baiming had used all his accumulated points to upgrade his attributes. Although it was only enough for seven or eight points, he invested them all into ball control, as addressing weaknesses was particularly important at this juncture!
Arteta kept his promise and gave Cao Baiming a starting spot. The squad list was announced before the match: Cao Baiming would start, with Henry on the bench!
This announcement instantly ignited the fans' passion!
Cao Baiming was starting directly! Henry was even on the bench, ready to come on at any moment! This was Henry's first match back!
What a visual spectacle this would be!
Many fans excitedly declared that not witnessing this match live would be a lifelong regret!
However, the tickets sold out in just one second, making people exclaim that those who managed to get them either possessed five hundred years of cultivation in their hand speed or were using bots!
Even with incredible speed, a poor internet connection would make it impossible to grab a ticket!
Fans pleaded, "Why don't you release more tickets? We're willing to pay any price!"
Yet, the organizers were equally helpless. The stadium was only so large; they had even removed two restrooms to add more seats, and it was already at maximum capacity!
Who would refuse free money like this?
Wealthy individuals might have found some solace, as just two hours later, reports of scalpers selling tickets online began to emerge. However, these tickets were different from the usual ones.
They were sold through an auction format, with one ticket reaching a staggering price of 190,000 Euros!
Those who could afford to attend must be royalty!
The next day brought the actual match day, and fans arrived at the stadium early, filled with enthusiasm.
The surrounding traffic was completely gridlocked.
Fans created a festive atmosphere around the stadium with music, singing, dancing, and various other celebrations…
Cao Baiming arrived near the stadium with the team bus and entered the pitch through the players' tunnel.
He was only exposed to the public eye for a few seconds, with fans enthusiastically throwing items at him, such as stockings and underwear…
…
2:30 AM, Tang country time.
In bars, barbecue joints, and homes, millions of fans eagerly tuned into the live broadcast of the match.
"Hello, dear viewers, this match is brought to you by..."
Friends gathered in small groups, or individuals alone in their beds, opened their phones. Despite the late hour, hearing Zhan Jun's familiar voice felt like igniting a fire in their chests!
"...This match features Arsenal playing at home against Liverpool. Cao Baiming starts, Salah's consecutive hat-tricks in three matches, and the possibility of Henry's return debut, this match has a multitude of exciting storylines!"
"How does Director Zhang view these two teams?"
Commentating alongside Zhan Jun was his long-time partner, Director Zhang Lu. Their commentary style, akin to crosstalk, was widely praised and regarded by fans as the pinnacle of sports commentary.
Zhang Lu paused for a moment before replying, "I think Arsenal has the edge in this match and a greater chance of winning..."
Before he could finish, Zhan Jun's expression showed a hint of displeasure. It was widely known that Zhan Jun was a die-hard Liverpool fan, having even endured fans' vitriol for his beloved team.
"Liverpool has been strong throughout the season, but their performance in the last two matches hasn't been optimal. The main reason, I believe, is the suspension of Keita in midfield. Without him, Thiago also seems unable to perform..."
"It's unlikely Salah can carry the team alone!"
"As for Arsenal, Cao Baiming needs no further introduction. A talented defender from our Tang country, he can both attack and defend. An average of one goal per game wouldn't be an exaggeration, would it? And Henry, even if he doesn't play, his presence provides a tremendous morale boost to the team, as seen in the last match."
"Indeed, it's very clear," Zhan Jun replied.
He then continued, "Actually, I'm still more optimistic about Liverpool..."
The two commentators presented their pre-match predictions and analyses, then moved on to discussing past performance records, letting the data speak for itself.
Unbeknownst to them, the players had returned to the locker room for final motivational talks and rest. The match was only minutes away.
The fans, unable to contain their excitement, had already opened their beers.
"Cheers!"
"Bottoms up!"
"Arsenal will win!"
"No doubt about it!"