Referee Lester Shapter (Devon) Date 5 April 1987 | Champion Arsenal F.C. Attendance 96,000 | |
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Venue Wembley Stadium, London Event 1986-87 Football League Cup Similar 1988 Football League C, 1986 Football League C, 1987 FA Cup Final, 1978 Football League C, 1983 Football League C | ||
The 1987 Football League Cup Final was a football match played on 5 April 1987 between Arsenal and Liverpool. The match, played in front of 96,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium, was won by Arsenal 2–1. Ian Rush opened the scoring for Liverpool, before Charlie Nicholas equalised, turning in a cross in a crowded penalty area. Nicholas was credited with scoring the winning goal in the second half from a Perry Groves cross. His off-target shot deflected off Ronnie Whelan and was diverted past Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar's outstretched hand.
Arsenal also finished fourth in the First Division, but were unable to compete in the 1987–88 UEFA Cup as UEFA voted for the ban in English clubs in European competitions to continue for a third season.
Ian Rush's consolation goal was his first goal to be scored on the losing side in any competition. It ended Liverpool's 144-match unbeaten streak in matches he had scored in.