Inconsistent Gameplay/Opponents

Every time I score an early goal, it's like EA uses an invisible hand to give my opponent a boost.

My players can no longer control the ball. I pass using "X" with very little power. Yet somehow the pass receiver, who is not under any immediate pressure, mis controls the ball as it bounces away from him. In the time that it takes for him to reach the ball and control it with 2-3 touches, my opponent has closed the distance. It feels like his player has Anticipate+. He tackles, steals the ball, and it's magically at his feet and under his control with one touch.

When my CBs poke the ball away, it always falls to his teammate.

After scoring early, my strikers refuse to shoot in a timely manner. When they do, nearly ever shot with Finesse+ hits the bar or is catching practice for the GK. This continues until my opponent scores at least 1 goal. What's strange is my 2nd goal comes from a more difficult opportunity than the earlier misses. It also feels like his CBs have been given Jockey+ as they are able to instantly change direction and block my shots.

It's not until the final final 10 minutes left that EA decides to take the chains off and lets both players run free.

I mostly notice it when it happens to me, but I have seen this happen to my opponents as well. He was winning 3-5 and then he missed an easy 1v1 that would have made it 3-6.

EA is rigging the gameplay to keep the scores within a "competitive" range.

I hate coming here to complain. I don't like sounding like a sore loser. But I can't help feel like there are elements out of my control.

What is causing this? Could my opponents tactics affect my player's ball control and overall performance? I've noticed it most when I have a narrow lead late in the game and it feels like my opponent is playing team press with a high back line.

I would greatly appreciate if anyone could share any insights.