West Ham United began 2012 by drawing level with Southampton at the top of the Championship after defeating lowly Coventry City.
Kevin Nolan struck the only goal as the Hammers edged past the Sky Blues with a solid performance.
The hosts exercised their control in the first 45 but failed to create many clear-cut chances. Julien Faubert wasted perhaps the best opening by dragging his shot wide.
Coventry could have taken a surprise lead five minutes after the break but Lukas Jutkiewicz headed over Robert Green's crossbar.
Nolan eventually gave the dominant Hammers a lead midway through the half by nodding home from close range.
Sam Allardyce's men are now only behind Southampton on goal difference, while Coventry return to the bottom of the league.
Pascal Lemesre
