A Kevin Noble header after good work from the outstanding James Tomkins was enough to separate the sides.
West Ham dominated the majority of the game but could not find a way past a resolute Coventry defence until the 66th minute when James Tomkins played the ball out wide to George McCartney. Tomkins then continued his run to nod the pall into the path of Captain Nolan to head back into the corner of the goal.
There were some nervous periods as the Hammers tried to hold onto the 1-0 victory but they managed to do just enough to secure the three points that take them level with Southampton at the top of the league.