Too many wins = EA's thumb the scale

This morning, I was at the lower end of Division 6. After playing several times throughout the day, I reached the promotion match. Queue what feels like EA putting their thumb on the scale.

I have lost the 3 matches, not because my opponents are better than me, but because my players feel like they have been downgraded. Valverde cannot control a simple pass; it bounces off his shins and to the opponents. Pajor was scoring finesse shots for fun. Now all my shots are hitting the post or going wide. My defenders tackle and win the ball back, but are unable to clear any balls out of the danger zone.

The worst of it all is the passing. I'm dribbling with the player and press "X" to pass. It feels like 3 seconds have passed before my player begins the pass animation. This allows my opponent to swoop in and tackle. When they are able to get a pass off, it's just as ineffective. The passes are easily intercepted because my pass receiver, who was at an angle when I initiate the pass, has decided to bend his run behind the defender. Then my passer kicks it at the defender's calves.

This is not an isolated incident. It felt like the same thing happened with the Unbreakables League the other day. I needed 1 win to complete the objectives and it took me 4 tries.

It feels like this is done purposely. Like EA is purposely slowing my progression to force me to play more games than necessary. Does anyone else feel this way? Or is this just unstable connection?

Please let me know your thoughts.