In terms of tactics, he still had no intention of letting Cao Baiming casually leave the defensive position, as such a strategy was unprecedented and likely to remain so.
Doing so would be too risky for him.
However, he really had nothing to say to Cao Baiming. Every training match, he would run forward. To outsiders, it might look like reckless play, disregarding his position, but the effect was surprisingly good!
So, what else could he say? He simply turned a blind eye!
Seeing the opposing midfielders frantically pressing for the ball, which had just been dispossessed from Vieira's feet, Cao Baiming left his position without a word.
He took this step forward with the most determined stride, knowing that if he left this position, it could create a defensive void.
While the teammates in the two full-back positions would habitually cover his spot, they wouldn't be able to defend if the ball managed to bypass them, especially against Tottenham, a team boasting Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Therefore, this ball absolutely had to be intercepted directly, without any mistakes.
The ball reached Nelles's feet. With a feint, it was clear he intended to dribble towards the side. However, a subsequent small movement was directly detected by the sharp-eyed Cao Baiming.
This sly old fox was clearly faking a move! He intended to play a through ball.
He's thinking too much! If this ball gets through, I'll eat my hat!
Cao Baiming lunged forward with two massive strides. His explosive speed almost made the commentators choke, it was that fast.
Then, directly in Nelles's passing lane, he suddenly stuck out a leg. The ball accurately struck Cao Baiming's shin.
Remarkably, the ball wasn't immediately deflected but was actually brought under control!
Immediately after, Cao Baiming surveyed the field. Several teammates ahead were signaling for the ball, ready to receive it. After a quick analysis, he passed the ball, and then…
He didn't go back!
This time, Cao Baiming not only failed to return to his defensive position but instead stayed in the attacking midfield role, hovering between the opponent's last two defensive lines, creating a short-passing space with Henry.
With just a glance, Arsenal's other players instantly understood Cao Baiming's intent.
This guy clearly wasn't planning on returning to his position anytime soon, so what were they waiting for? Hurry up and cover!
In addition to covering, Cao Baiming's action meant he would act as an absolute attacking fulcrum. This role required possession. Once they had the ball, there was no need to overthink; just pass it to Cao Baiming.
This would significantly increase the team's scoring success rate.
In the 25th minute, Cao Baiming received a pass from Vieira in the center. His role as an attacking midfielder was quickly demonstrated.
As soon as he received the ball, at least two opponents sprinted frantically towards Cao Baiming's position, while others observed each other, preparing defensive and interception measures for his potential passing lanes.
Alright, his eyes gleamed with immense confidence.
With the ball at his feet, it was virtually impossible to dispossess him. And now, it seemed, his passing options were almost completely blocked.
However, this was hardly the first time he had encountered such a situation; he was completely used to it. He had been targeted like this throughout the entire match and even in previous games.
This kind of defense alone was not enough to stop my pass, it's impossible!
Just as everyone believed this attacking move had come to an end, suddenly, a clear and loud bang echoed across the field.
This sound was so loud that even fans in the back rows of the stands could hear it clearly. Such a resounding noise could generally only be produced by a shot, and if the power weren't significant enough, it wouldn't be this loud.
The commentator could no longer contain himself and exclaimed loudly.
"Cao Baiming! Cao Baiming shot! A world-class super cannon from distance today! A cruise missile, he's finally here!"
However, just as everyone was astonished by this long-range shot from beyond the halfway line, they were also surprised to find that the ball's trajectory did not seem to be heading towards the goal at all!
How could this shot be so wildly off target?
Cao Baiming's footwork shouldn't be like this. Even from over 70 meters away, he could accurately hit the top corner.
Cao Baiming's shots definitely couldn't be understood with normal logic. Very quickly, the fans got the answer: it wasn't a shot at all, but a pass!
"Henry!!"
Suddenly, a figure on the field accelerated at breakneck speed, bursting forward like a cheetah.
In the moment of his sprint, he had already left all the defenders far behind. Such incredible speed could only be achieved by one person: Henry!
"Indeed, this wasn't a shot! It was a pass!!"
"And the receiver is Henry! With a pass like this, no one else could possibly receive it! It seems this kind of coordination must have been practiced before the match; otherwise, how could they have executed it twice within just ten minutes of the game?"
The commentators exclaimed excitedly, analyzing the origin of this pass. Meanwhile, Henry had already brought the ball under control and, without any trouble, found himself with another one-on-one opportunity!
Facing Henry's one-on-one, the goalkeeper was visibly intimidated. This time, Emperor Henry would not waste the opportunity. With his kingly skill, how could he miss a one-on-one? He unleashed a powerful shot directly into the far corner of the goal!
The goalkeeper could only watch the ball fly past, unable to react in time!
He was probably thinking to himself that it was fortunate the ball went into the corner directly, giving him an excuse; if the ball had gone straight into the center of the goal, with that speed, he wouldn't have been able to react either. If he hadn't saved it, he would have been blamed again!
He had seen the terror of public opinion before. The most powerful forces in this world were the trolls and keyboard warriors on the internet.
However, while everyone was speculating like this, no one could have imagined the truth: this pass and reception had never been practiced before in training. According to Arteta's tactical requirements, Cao Baiming should not have been in this position at all. Everything that had just happened was entirely due to his on-the-spot improvisation.