West Ham 1-0 Arsenal
FA Cup final, May 10, 1980
Second Division West Ham had stunned everyone by reaching the final, where they would be up against holders Arsenal. Would they be able to pull off the biggest shock of all?
Trevor Brooking (13)
FA Cup final,
May 10, 1980
Wembley,
Referee: George Courtney,
Att: 100,000
The Hammers defied their underdog status to stun top-flight Arsenal and take the FA Cup back to Upton Park, five years after they had last tasted success in the competition. Trevor Brooking was the hero - his first half header enough to see West Ham's name on the trophy once more.
Key Figures
John Lyall
Lyall masterminded West Ham's second FA Cup win in five years. He gambled by naming 17-year-old Paul Allen in his starting line-up for the final, but the move paid off as Allen put in a fine performance up against Arsenal's star midfielder Liam Brady.
Trevor Brooking
The graceful midfielder was in excellent form throughout the competition and brushed off Brian Clough's pre-match criticism that he "floats like a butterfly and stings like one" to put in a commanding performance at Wembley. His rare header was enough to overcome Arsenal.
Billy Bonds
A huge fans' favourite, the captain formed a formidable defensive partnership with Alvin Martin that was key to the Hammers' cup success. The pair were outstanding in the final, keeping quiet Arsenal's dangerous strike duo of Frank Stapleton and Alan Sunderland.
Did You Know...?
Paul Allen remains the youngest player ever to win the FA Cup, after lifting the trophy in 1980 at the age of 17 years and 256 days.
West Ham's 1980 FA Cup triumph was the last time a team from outside the top-flight won the FA Cup.
Scottish defender Ray Stewart became the only non-English player to appear for West Ham in any of their three FA Cup-winning sides when he played in the 1980 final.
What Happened Next
West Ham's bid to retain the FA Cup ended at the first hurdle, with defeat to Wrexham in the third round. But the Hammers fared much better in the league, regaining their top-flight status by lifting the Second Division Championship trophy with a record points total.
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