Roberto Di Matteo quashed any claims Albion were lucky to gain three points at the County Ground insisting an impressive rearguard action from his troops deserved nothing less than a victory.
In a game which the Baggies could well have lost in recent seasons, the visitors secured their first win, and victory on the road, of the season after Chris Cohen’s own goal early in the second-half.
Former Albion old-boy Robert Earnshaw missed a penalty for the home side in the 77th minute with Di Matteo claiming this to be the only piece of good fortune the Baggies received on the day.
“Our only bit of luck was their missed penalty," the Italian insisted.
"Apart from that, I think we did really well.
The Baggies were under pressure throughout the game but had arguably the best chances through a well saved Chris Brunt free-kick and a glaring miss from Graham Dorrans – making his first start of the campaign.
Di Matteo continued: “Considering we were playing away against a very good Forest team, getting a clean sheet and three points is very pleasing.
"Yes, I would have liked to maybe kill the game off.
"We had one or two chances at 1-0 where we could maybe have done better.
"But we defended very well.
"It is a well-known point that the side struggled a bit defensively last season.
"It's going to be a slow process to improve that side of our game - but we're off to a good start.
"We made life difficult for Forest today.
"You're always going to expect a team like them to create a chance or two.
"But, all-in-all, I think we controlled them quite well and had our chances to win the game.
"We've had a good start to the season.
"To win your first away game is always very pleasing.
"We were strong and competitive and didn't give away too much.
"We'll fight for our lives in every game - that's our philosophy.
"I thought we deserved our win."