Slowing the game down and switching to 2D view helped me a lot, it's far easier to see the shape that you have and where things are going right or wrong.
I know a lot of people will disagree with this but personally, once I have decided on the shape I want to use and the style of play, I will...
Yep this 100%, was top of the league at Christmas, went on a downward spiral and now sit 11th. I don't mind the AI finding out weaknesses in the tactic, but when every single manager seems to do it at the same time it's frustrating.