Such a thunderous opening strike had a profoundly negative impact on the players of a team like West Ham United.
Cao Baming, even from several meters away, could feel the negative emotions accumulating within them, a situation he most desired.
His teammates cheered and waved, quickly regaining possession of the ball at the opponent's feet.
Vieira, who had actively advanced, looked towards the front after winning the ball. Seeing his path blocked by three or four defenders, he reluctantly passed it back.
Cao Baming happened to be right behind him, which delighted him. This way, no one could say he only passed backward when organizing play; Cao Baming himself was an arrowhead pushing forward.
At this moment, Cao Baming's gaze was fixed on the football, his strength concentrated in his lower body. Upon receiving the pass, he executed a swift turn and dribble, bypassing the opponent's attacking midfielder, and advanced with the ball alone.
Shortly after crossing the halfway line, he attempted a shot.
The quality of this shot was somewhat lacking. The ball arced like a crescent moon through the air and landed within the goalkeeper's reach, who successfully pushed it out for a corner.
Subsequently, the entire Arsenal team actively participated in ball possession and passing, gradually establishing a clear approach that Arteta, from the sidelines, had been repeatedly emphasizing: to first try and control the tempo of the game.
Facing an opponent of this caliber, this task wasn't too difficult.
At this moment, Cao Baming returned to midfield, his role shifting from a defender to an attacking midfielder and organizer.
His teammates, with whom he had developed tacit understanding during training matches, could immediately grasp the significance of Cao Baming's maneuver. They knew that as long as he occupied the space between those two lines, they would understand.
West Ham United players fought desperately but were unable to dispossess Arsenal. Especially whenever the ball was passed in a triangular fashion, it would invariably return to Cao Baming's feet.
At the 10th minute, precisely as the game clock ticked past an even second, the ball suddenly sliced through the ground at high speed, a surgical, through pass.
Henry, in the front, had started his run too early and was offside. Before anyone else noticed, he himself realized it, slowed down, and applauded Cao Baming behind him.
Opportunities would always arise. Just two minutes later, an identical through pass reached him again, and this time, he didn't waste the chance, scoring directly!
The formidable connection between Cao and Henry erupted once more, sending the entire stadium into excited cheers!
The score was once again changed!
2:0!
Soon, they were back to the kick-off.
The West Ham United players were stunned, feeling as if they had been constantly restarting the game since the beginning.
Then, in the 20th minute of the first half, a player for West Ham United finally stepped up!
Lanzini, wearing the number 10 jersey, received a pass from a teammate in the center and immediately sent a through ball, its trajectory almost identical to the one Cao Baming had just played!
"As expected of a player wearing the number 10 jersey, it seems anyone wearing number 10 is no pushover!"
Was this a case of learning on the job?
Rice and Scamacca moved forward, and the ball came to Rice. Looking ahead, there were only two center-backs in the box. With Cao Baming participating in the attack up front, the backline of four players was spread loosely!
"Great opportunity! Let's see how Rice handles it!" the commentator exclaimed excitedly.
"Good! He chose to dribble forward himself. With only two center-backs ahead and a fullback accelerating to cover!"
"He attracted defenders and then chose to pass. A good decision!"
However, just then, a dark shadow zipped past behind him, like a shadow flying across the field!
This person was wearing an Arsenal jersey, moving with the wind, his speed so fast it was almost indistinguishable!
Behind him, people could clearly see the number 19! Cao Baming!!
The commentators and fans saw this unfold from a God's-eye view, but Rice was completely oblivious. After passing the ball, Scamacca was about to attempt a volley, his body poised, when a blur suddenly flashed before him!
His outstretched foot kicked only air, and he immediately pulled a muscle, collapsing on the spot!
By then, the ball had vanished.
Cao Baming's eyes flickered. After gaining possession, he quickly surveyed the midfield and passed the ball to the most advantageous position before looking back.
The entire stadium erupted in gasps, "Is this even human?!"
From the sidelines, the appellation "Asian God" echoed again, growing louder and more synchronized.
The reason Cao Baming dared to leave his defensive position and venture forward to attack was his confidence. With such speed and awareness, he felt he could handle any situation!
The "Total Football" style, its true pioneer Cruyff, was seated in the back row of the stadium, dressed in understated black.
He said to his old friend beside him, "This person is the first to truly master Total Football to its extreme. Everything before was just a prelude!"
His old friend was stunned. Was he saying his own past achievements were merely preludes?
However, seeing the admiration and excitement in Cruyff's eyes, almost to the point of tears, he simply nodded without replying.
The fortunate recipient of the pass this time was Saka on the left wing. He received the ball comfortably, with a large open space beside him. Cao Baming might have even anticipated the next passing lane.
Just then, the referee's whistle blew, and he gestured towards the vicinity of Arsenal's penalty area.
The players on the field looked back, their gaze drawn to that area, only to discover that West Ham United's striker, Scamacca, had fallen to the ground, seemingly injured.
Cao Baming looked on with a sense of helplessness, "Is this guy made of glass?"
Then, a surge of anger welled up from his heart. The player was crying out in pain while rolling into the penalty area. "Is this guy trying to con us?!"
The interception just now was a precise prediction and interception along the passing lane, with no physical contact at all. "Conning me isn't that easy!"
"A penalty is not so easily given!"
Cao Baming angrily walked towards the referee, explaining the situation.
He was a full two meters away from the player. Could air knock him down?
Cao Baming's teammates, the two center-backs who were nearby providing cover and support, had also seen the situation clearly and all stepped forward to defend him.
The referee, seeing the situation, immediately felt a headache coming on. As he walked forward, he made a gesture, his intention instantly reassuring everyone.