Sam Allardyce admitted his side were fortunate to avoid falling behind in the first-half as a much improved Nottingham Forest display surprised the potential league leaders.
The Hammers boss also knew the home side were obliged to the officials for their award of two penalties, the first of which was labelled 'ridiculous' by opposite number Steve Cotterill.
Cotterill had plenty of praise for the way his men bounced back from a horrendous week to take the game to the promotion favourites and felt that it was due in no small part to the return of wanted man Wes Morgan.
With Leicester City maintaining their interest in the central defender Cotterill was quick to stress the benefits of having 'round pegs in round holes' at Upton Park after the make do and mend shambles at Leicester in the FA Cup.