Countless times on the training ground, after Cao Baming accomplished unbelievable feats, in that moment they all felt capable as well, this had happened countless times.
It was just that they were lucky, not getting a direct shot at the goal, which saved them from being cursed by the fans.
The goalkeeper had punted the ball far out. At this moment, the fans on the sidelines were still discussing the controversy just experienced, and it was about them, but the game on the field had already resumed.
Soon, Cao Baming returned to the midfield. Throughout the entire match, he had no fixed position, instead freely switching his movement trajectory, leaving people bewildered.
The game was increasingly nearing its end, with the score already at 6:0. His teammates also seemed satisfied. Furthermore, having played for so long, their stamina had waned, and some players had adopted a laid-back mentality, intending to just drag out the remaining game.
Seeing this, Arteta quickly substituted three players. However, these three players did not strengthen the offense or defense, but were all positional replacements.
In the 81st minute, with less than ten minutes left until the end of the match, Cao Baming, from outside the penalty area, delivered another lofted pass, assisting Vinícius to score.
Returning kindness for malice, the fans on the sidelines were now utterly fond of Cao Baming.
And with this goal, Vinícius could be considered to have atoned for his mistakes. The fans on the field had considerably lessened their criticism of him.
Cao Baming naturally knew that if the match ended this way, even though the game would be over, public opinion would still harshly criticize him. For his future, he should give him one more goal.
The unwritten rule on the football field is that no matter what mistakes you've made, as long as you can score, all your errors can be overlooked. Fans can only remember your imposing presence when you score and the glory of helping the team win.
"Seven to zero! The game isn't over yet! This is crazy!"
"Congratulations to Vinícius on his first brace since joining Arsenal! Can he get a hat-trick?"
"He's certainly atoned for his mistakes. The controversy over that last play is still fresh, but since he's extended the lead with a goal, we can let bygones be bygones and stop discussing it!"
"Arsenal isn't lacking in goals anyway; scoring opportunities are everywhere!"
"It's already 7:0, and there are still 10 minutes left in this game. How far can they push it before they stop!"
The commentators were still speaking with great passion about the recent goal, yet the ball was already back at the center spot, with the next attack being planned.
Just as the broadcast director was replaying the footage of the recent goal, Cao Baming on the field had already driven into the penalty box alone with the ball.
Bournemouth had now set up a "11-man bus" formation. It was not easy to break into the penalty area, and even less so to put the ball into the net!
Cao Baming, looking straight ahead, even with one foot stepping onto the edge of the penalty area and benefiting from his system's talent boost, the success rate of his shot was still a pitiful forty percent.
There were at least three layers of players blocking his path along the entire route.
Even with this forty percent chance, Cao Baming knew that he couldn't possibly bypass so many people.
Before taking the shot, he could already feel a heat gathering from his body towards his left foot.
To score a goal, the only way was likely another one of those thunderous shots, the kind that no one could do anything about, no matter who they were.
Unless that person was willing to risk their life.
Cao Baming shifted sideways, but the opponent's defensive formation remained firmly planted within the penalty area; an area not much larger than a small patch was crowded with eleven defenders!
After a few seconds, he still hadn't found a shooting opportunity. The paths ahead had barely changed, all of them skimming past the bodies of many players, flying forward in a straight line.
The goalkeeper was already starting to tremble, his palms sweating. Before Cao Baming had even shot, his spirit had been scared to the heavens.
And the players defending near the goal, what state were they in? Each and every one of them remembered the scene just moments ago.
If he were to take another shot like that, none of their bodies could withstand it.
They didn't want to end up in the hospital!
But they also couldn't be too obvious. At the very least, they had to show they were trying to defend with effort.
The eleven men inside the penalty box were all in a state of inner turmoil.
To leave or not to leave? If they left, they would be letting down the team. But if they didn't leave, they would be letting down their parents!
Seeing this situation, Cao Baming felt a bit apprehensive.
The match had reached this point. Forget it, he would accumulate some good karma for himself!
When everyone thought he was about to shoot, Cao Baming intelligently used a backheel pass, sending the ball to Saka behind him.
The moment the ball reached his feet, Saka himself was caught off guard; he didn't even control the ball properly.
"No way, who would have thought he wouldn't shoot, but pass instead, and a back pass at that!"
Completely unprepared, Saka had to hurriedly retrieve the ball and move it forward. The fans on the sidelines were also surprised but couldn't figure out the reason.
Perhaps Cao Baming's actions all had their own logic!
Cao Baming saw the positions on the field but did not actively make a run to receive the pass. Although many receiving options appeared before him, he didn't want to take any of them. Instead, he ran in the opposite direction, avoiding those lines.
One player was already injured in this match, and the situation was still unclear. It was better to let his teammates handle it!
Ultimately, under the fully formed "bus" formation, Arsenal's players could no longer find the time or opportunity to break through the defense.
After several attempts around the penalty area, all efforts were in vain. Finally, Martinelli's weak, uninspired speculative shot sent the ball to the goalkeeper.
Not long after, the match ended. The final score was fixed at 7:0.
This score was utterly brutal, directly imprinting the word "humiliation" on the faces of the Bournemouth players.
This score had far exceeded Arteta's pre-match target. He had wanted a solid win with a three-goal difference, but now it was more than doubled, with one extra.
Cao Baming happily walked towards the sidelines, his mind focused on only one thing: the completion of his season objective of three consecutive hat-tricks in this match.