Illogical shocking runs

Maybe I'm on my own here but I can have a tactic that gets me to the top of the table at xmas, and yet I'll be sacked by easter, despite not touching a thing!

With Aston Villa I got them to 2nd at xmas and finished 16th (yes that is possible!) and it happens with big teams as well. It seems like I will lose one undeservedly after a great run, then I will lose to a better team and suddenly that's two in a row. Then I'll lose a 3rd in a row by shocking play, and then all of a sudden morale drops and you're in free fall. I can try any formation, any tactic, any style, and nothing digs me out of the rut. This never happened on the old games.

Anyone had a similar experience or some advice? I wouldn't mind if I was new to the series but I've owned them all and done very well on them!

i try fit in little friendlys here and there with teams i kno i will beat, get there moral up when i praise them

i think you have to change the tactic every now and then or else you get found out by the AI

what are you saying to them post match? i rarely use disappointed and never angry away, preferring sympathy even if its a thrashing (unless its a fierce rival or particularly bad performance). a bit tougher on them at home though. i'd only go angry with them if they have really woeful. i tend not to chop and change tactics too much as players dont seem to like it.

try using the new analysis tool to see how you conceded the goals, and work on that area. No need to drasticly alter things. Thats how the problem gets worse.