Finally, finally, finally, everything has started to click into place....
After my PS3's Bluray packed up last week, I couldnt be bothered messing around, so I bought a new PS3. I then needed to re-install a PES Option File, and due to the fact the GTM Pro World File had all the Championship emblems and stadiums already assigned, I opted for that one this time around. I also fancied trying an OF without the stats edited.
After starting a new ML with Middlesbrough, Professional, 15 minute games and Zero Assistance, 1.02, something finally clicked. The Middlesbrough squad are pretty poor stat-wise, in fact, Shimizu, is already my best player. I also signed Utaka and a left winger from Montpellier named Dernis. I won the opening day encounter 2-1 against Hull, then drew with Reading 2-2 in a thriller. I went 5 games unbeaten before losing to West Ham at Upton Park 2-0. After 10 games into the season, I was W4 D3 L3, and sitting 9th in the table.
I then beat Leeds 3-0 in my best performance yet, two goals from Emnes, and one from Utaka. All goals were brilliantly crafted, fantastic passes and sublime finishes. Utaka's first was a lovely half volleyed R2 clipped shot over the advancing keeper, after a superb pass from Shimizu. The second highlights exactly what I love about Zero Assistance Passing, and that is the total freedom. Arca Nutmegs the Leeds defender with a clever pass into space, then Emnes smashes one into the bottom corner. Emnes then show's his quick-thinking, cheek and arrogance, with a beautiful first-time L1 lob shot, after another cracking manual high-pass over the top from Zemmama. Arca's Free-Kick simply could not have been hit any better either, but the keeper wasnt getting beat from there. Great effort though.
YouTube - Boro 3-0 Dirty Leeds
Boro then smashed Hull 4-2, and with confidence sky-high, beat Wigan at the DW Stadium 2-1 in the F.A. Cup First Round. It was also the first time I'd heard my own chants this season. I cheekily added a couple of Boro's chants to Wigans playlist.
What really impressed me, was a goal that I scored, which was allowed even though there was a player a mile offside. The player wasnt interfering with play when the ball was played forward, and I was stunned it never got flagged. Very, very impressed with that. I thought I'd saved the goal, but after looking, I didnt.
I've also found that by not using an Edited Stats OF, that the CPU is now having very similiar possession to me. Instead of the usual 60-40, it's now always around 54-46 mark. In some cases, I've had 49-51 in the CPU's favour.
Absolutely loving this offline ML, and I've never had to think so tactically about PES in my life. Even with it's niggles, it's so far ahead of any PES I've played before.
