I think the difference is simply that Puncheon and Lallana have been properly instructed on how to play those roles, and what is expected of them. They can both cut in and influence play infield.
From what I remember, Holmes and BWP both looked lost on the 'wrong' flank. So as is oftent he case, the problem was not the formation itself, just the way we were using it.
I was thinking last night how refreshing it is to see us making the most of the attributes of our players, rather than trying to shoehorn them into unfamiliar roles, giving them no guidance and apparently just hoping for the best.