The score remained two to one, much to everyone's disappointment.
The defense, however, made continuous errors, raising concerns that if their own offense couldn't break through, the opponents would.
If the score were to be leveled, they would be back to square one. Moreover, teams that equalize often gain momentum and continue to score, a situation that would be highly disadvantageous for Arsenal.
Looking at the current defense, the fans yearned for Cao Baiming, as only he could deliver such consistent performances and maintain his top-tier form.
With him on the field, it would likely not be so easy for the opponents to advance.
Some began to feel nervous!
However, ten minutes later, the feared event finally occurred!
Despite the continuous efforts of Messi, Saka, and Henry, they couldn't breach Crystal Palace's defense. Instead, a blunder from the back presented a golden opportunity to the opposition!
In a rushed back-pass under pressure, the goalkeeper went to receive the ball, but it was too fast, and the goalkeeper cannot use his hands to receive a back-pass from a teammate!
The ball was miscontrolled and directly intercepted by the opposing forward!
He then calmly slotted the ball into the net from the goalkeeper's other side, his face beaming with pride.
His expression was more than just proud; it was outright mocking, as if it read, "Thank you very much!"
The goal left the fans and the coaching staff speechless.
To call him overconfident would be unfounded, given the circumstances. To attribute it to nerves seemed unlikely, as it was just a regular league match, not a cup final, and the opponent wasn't particularly strong either!
The camera focused on Cao Baiming's face, and even he was at a loss for words, wondering what was happening.
Disappointment, only disappointment!
As the regular match time ticked away, the opponents were not foolish. They knew that reaching this score was already a good achievement and, without greed, began to defend resolutely.
The coach's intention was the same: to run down the clock until the final second, holding onto the draw, and if an opportunity to snatch a win arose, they would take it, but not force it!
Facing even tighter defense and the players' dwindling stamina, the subsequent attacks became more challenging.
Especially for Messi, at thirty-five, he couldn't maintain peak performance for the entire match. As the game progressed, stamina issues became apparent.
Even the King of Football is not a god; he gets tired and experiences fatigue!
However, Arteta did not want to settle for a draw. There was still a chance for a comeback, and a single slip-up could break their seventeen-game unbeaten streak, which would be a shame.
They likely never imagined being defeated by Crystal Palace!
As it reached the eightieth minute, the situation on the field hadn't improved. Arteta's tension had been building for a long time, his heart pounding.
He knew he couldn't endure it any longer. This winning streak was too heavy a burden; perhaps it was better for it to end!
However, there was still one player available, and his gaze unconsciously drifted towards Cao Baiming on the substitute bench.
Though it was only a peripheral glance, Cao Baiming felt his attention.
"Finally figured it out?"
Arteta knew this was a gamble, but there was no other choice.
With less than ten minutes left, and one substitution remaining, should he use it?
While he was contemplating, the game's tide suddenly turned as Crystal Palace made a substitution first!
The new substitute, Deler, with his ample stamina, surged forward with the ball and, taking a speculative shot, it found the corner of the net!
Whether by luck or skill, the score was reversed!
Crystal Palace had completed the comeback! They had snatched victory!
Arsenal's fans were completely distraught, overwhelmed by a profound sense of despair.
Boos erupted from the sidelines, though it was unclear who they were directed at, as the cause of this situation might not be a single individual but the team as a whole.
At this moment, Arteta, who had been hesitating, felt a sense of release. The score had been completely reversed!
The higher-ups clapped their hands in frustration. This was their seventeen-game unbeaten record!
At this moment, Arteta no longer cast furtive glances but looked directly at Cao Baiming on the substitute bench!
His eyes conveyed a message, unspoken but understood.
Cao Baiming immediately grasped his intention: he wanted him to come on and save the game.
Cao Baiming smiled slightly, checking the time. It was the eighty-third minute, with a full seven minutes of regular time remaining, more than enough!
Arteta simply wanted him to come on and score a goal to equalize, thereby preserving the seventeen-game unbeaten record. Everything else could be dealt with later.
For him, it was just a matter of scoring a sure goal, earning five thousand points!
Effortless, easier than making money!
The coaching staff saw his intention and stood up, but they dared not say anything. They were in dire straits.
They knew, and the higher-ups knew, that Cao Baiming was included in the squad precisely to guard against such an improbable unexpected situation, and now, that unexpected situation had occurred.
There was no more time to wait.
Cao Baiming went to warm up, instantly igniting the entire stadium. As this figure slowly walked towards the sideline, who could still watch the game?
All eyes were fixed on him. Crystal Palace's nightmare was about to begin!
The head coach stared at the familiar figure, his eyes going blank.
He tried to console himself, "Only seven minutes left, it should be fine!"
Then, he turned his attention back to the field, towards the players fighting hard, and shouted loudly.
"Defend! Defend! Defend!!!"
Yes, from this point on, Crystal Palace's strategy was clear: all-out defense!
Giving their all was not just a saying; they poured one hundred percent of their energy into defense, completely disregarding offense.
Earlier, when the score was tied, they might have considered a quick counter-attack to snatch a goal. Now, that thought had already materialized, and they were content.
As long as they could hold on for the final seven minutes, victory would belong to Crystal Palace!
They were a strong Premier League team, even beating the strongest in the Premier League!!
After a brief two-minute warm-up, Cao Baiming rushed onto the field.