West Brom pulled off familiar smash and grab at Burnley despite absence of Manchester City target Jonny Evans as Chris Brunt lauds defender

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New season, old habits for Tony Pulis's belligerent Baggies.

This was a smash and grab, achieved on the foundations of a solid backline that was again missing captain and Manchester City target Jonny Evans.

Pulis was adamant that the Northern Irishman had not 'chucked one in' on the back of Pep Guardiola's interest and given the player's character, it would appear that the reported hamstring injury is genuine.

Tony Pulis's side were up to their old tricks with a late winner against Burnley at Turf Moor

West Brom were without Jonny Evans who is suffering with a hamstring injury 

However, after an entertaining cameo from Hal Robson-Kanu, who came off the bench, scored the winner and was then sent off in the space of 20 minutes, Evans's club and international teammate was forthright on the issue.

Some have been shocked at the interest from the Etihad Stadium. Not Chris Brunt.

'He's a good player,' the left back said. 'Naturally, teams are interested in good players. I suppose his experience plays a big part as well. But it's between Jonny and the club. There's not really a lot anyone else can do about it. We'll just see how it goes.'

Brunt played a part in the only goal, volleying a hopeful long ball down the field. It found a leaping Matt Phillips, whose flick on set up Robson-Kanu. The big man took two touches, which took him away from two opponents, before finishing with aplomb.

From the sublime to the ridiculous. Ten minutes later, Robson-Kanu challenged for a high ball with his arm outstretched and caught Burnley's Matthew Lowton on the side of the face. 

Martin Atkinson did not hesitate in showing red. While there did not appear to be intent, it was still reckless and unnecessary and it would appear that the player recognised that.

Chris Brunt (left) is not surprised that Manchester City are interested in Jonny Evans 

Hal Robson-Kanu was scorer of the decisive goal but was then sent off shortly afterwards

'He came in and apologised,' said Brunt. 'But all the lads know what sort of a character he is. He wouldn't do anything like that on purpose. He was playing really well when he was on the pitch. I think that a bit of over exuberance maybe got the better of him.'

Robson-Kanu's goal, which saw Albion start a Premier League season with two wins for the first time, was harsh on the hosts.

They created numerous chances, and are expected to add Leeds United's prolific Kiwi Chris Wood to the ranks this week after a £15m fee was agreed.

Captain Tom Heaton knows what the 25-year-old will bring when he crosses the Pennines. 'Did he score a rocket past me a couple of years ago for Leicester?' the goalkeeper asked reporters when quizzed on an imminent arrival. 'Is that what you're trying to get at?' he added with a smile. 'If it is him, he had a fantastic season last year.'

Burnley opened a £10.6m state-of-the-art training ground earlier this year and Heaton thinks Wood will thrive in his new surroundings.

Tom Heaton is looking forward to the arrival of Chris Wood to add firepower up front 

'Every player loves the culture we've got at the football club,' he said. 'That environment we've set certainly gives everyone a base to get better and develop. If we get him in, it will be a very good addition, and we hope he will be pleased with what he sees.'

Heaton, who believes the addition of a striker would be 'the final piece of the puzzle' was adamant that the home side did not get carried away following last weekend's stunning 3-2 victory over champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

'The manager doesn't let anyone get carried away with that sort of thing,' he said. 'We're very level-headed. We came in with the right attitude and the right mentality. We implemented the game plan. It was just one of those things. Sometimes in football, you don't get what you feel you deserve.'

What Pulis deserves is new blood. The Baggies manager continues to work wonders with a thin-looking squad and has already acknowledged that he may have to wait for scraps after the big boys have finished their feasts at the top table.

When asked how important bringing new faces to the Hawthorns is, Pulis was as direct as his team.

'Massive,' was his answer.