"First, some of the players were not in excellent condition and this affected how we played. Second, the way we played in the first half meant we were convinced we would win.
"It's possible that, subconsciously, we were complacent. But we were also not able to play our best because Martin Rowlands went off injured, Mahon was close to being substituted and Hogan Ephraim also took a knock.
"That had a bearing on our performance - especially when we were trying to counter-attack. We ended up just kicking the ball forward, and that is no longer the way we play.
"Talking of defensive fragility is a bit of a generalisation. The ability of a defence depends on the whole team and not just the defenders."
The talking point of the game was the hat trick from veteran striker Andy Cole.
"There was never a doubt in my mind what Andrew Cole would bring to this club," said boss Owen Coyle.
"I saw him play earlier this season for Sunderland and knew he had the hunger and desire to show he can still play at a high level.
"Andrew brings belief to the team and it's not just his goals - he leads the line really well and brings other people into the game too.
"Our players can only learn from someone of his stature, and I'd be saying that even if he hadn't scored those goals."
Coyle felt his team's fightback typified the spirit he has installed since taking over as boss.
"It would have been easy at 2-0 down to fold, but we bounced back in tremendous fashion" he added.
"We sensed when we got back into the game that we could go on and win it. The spirit among the players is great and it was evident tonight."