Charlie Nicholas was full of praise for Portsmouth... but is worried by Burnley's home form.
Charlie hails Grant and his players
Burnley 1-2 Portsmouth
Soccer Saturday analysis
Charlie Nicholas says Burnley's home form must improve if they are to survive in the Premier League.
The Clarets have only picked up one Premier League point away from home all season, but Turf Moor has proved to be a fortress at times - Burnley have beaten Manchester United and Everton there - and Brian Laws' side are still in the fight for survival.
However, a 2-1 home defeat to rock-bottom Portsmouth will worry the Burnley faithful and Nicholas says a lack of effectiveness in midfield is the root of the problem.
And he insists their next two home games - against Stoke and Wolves - could prove decisive.
Nicholas said: "You saw today that Bolton jumped up three or four places [after beating Wolves at home] and I think it's going to be like that.
"You'd take a draw away from home, I know you do and you think: 'We're still in the battle.' But Burnley need to win their home games as we've seen with their form earlier in the season.
"The concern for me is that Fletcher and Paterson look a nice combination up front but the midfield didn't really get too much.
"I like the lad McDonald but he didn't really play brilliantly today. Elliott and Blake didn't really get enough of the ball in areas where they can hurt you.
"Whereas I looked at Portsmouth and Webber did really well on the right and the outstanding man today was O'Hara who was class.
"The concern for Burnley is as nice and neat as they play at times, it's not enough just to have your partnership up front.
"You've got to get good midfield support - and at the back they're making bad decisions."
Fantastic
Meanwhile Pompey can beat celebrate a victory over the side one place above them in the table after a difficult week off the field.
The club were placed into administration on Friday and must almost certainly face up to a nine-point deduction, which will effectively see them relegated.
But Nicholas was full of admiration for the spirit shown by Avram Grant and his players in the face of adversity.
He added: "They were fantastic again today.
"It would be easy for them just to down the staff, say the season's over and consider what's going on.
"They were very good and you can't compliment this team and their manager enough.
"Avram Grant always gets bad press because he's got that look of always being miserable but today he made some clever tactical changes and got a good win.
"He is continuing like a proper professional and getting these players prepared. Well done to them."
