After a few more games tonight, as Newcastle against average-to-good teams and not being able to do much else other than draw, I played PSG.
A) I was 1-0 up within ten minutes. As Newcastle. It was the easiest-feeling match by far. Which makes zero sense. You can say "better teams go forward more so leave more space" but sorry, their quality player-for-player is SO MUCH higher than mine that they just 100% should not be easier. Every 1-on-1 between outfield players, I was winning.
B) In the second half, they scored from a header to make it 1-1 (my keeper not reacting to the ball until it was practically across the line). I scored again to make it 2-1, and within five minutes, they hit 5 first-time passes, midfielder took a touch and turned around, then 5 more first-time passes and a tap-in. 2-2.
C) They had two new players, both of whom are starters in the PL (Kyle Walker and Harry Kane). This was a new ML I'd started, and there had been something like six days simulated (including two matches).
D) Both of my goals were manual shots (i.e. hold the manual modifier button) - because I knew that would be my only guaranteed way of hitting an accurate shot. Lo-and-behold, I rounded the keeper in the second half, on the left of the goal (seven yards out), aimed at the middle of the goal, pressed (non-manual) shoot, and...
The ball missed, flying past the right post. For absolutely no reason. Given how it would be harder to miss than to score from that position (especially with your right foot, and especially sicne the contact with the ball is always 100% perfect), it just felt like a massive cheat.
And then I realised. That's why I feel no joy when I score - because to score you don't have to aim particularly well, because even if you do aim perfectly, it'll miss anyway if it wants to - so it's not me deciding.
My input is essentially a manager shouting "shoot" and then going "I told him to do that, I basically scored that goal" when it goes in.
I really don't get the love for it I'm afraid - but I can also see the definite improvements in the patch, and if you're happy with the gameplay, I've no doubt it'll make playing a Master League season an actual possibility now.