I think in both matches it was the big leads that affected the mindsets of the losing teams. When you know that the other team needs to score three goals you change the way that you approach the game. You tend to become more defensive and less aggressive and then when the opposition get a couple of goals back you end up dropping back on your own penalty area.
Remember February 2001, Saints away at Tranmere? I was at a referees meeting and the young chap in front of me received three texts during the first half as Saints went three ahead. Before I left the meeting Tranmere scored one. When I reached my car they had scored another. Before I got home they had equalised. I was just home in time to see the. Score their winner.