It may be English football’s poor cousin – even a ‘Mickey Mouse competition’ on the evening your club departs it – but the League Cup (née COC, Carling, Worthington, Coca-Cola, Rumbelows, Littlewoods, and Milk) has produced some classic and iconic finals in its time.

Manchester United and Southampton will have to go some this Sunday to rival these ace clashes that linger long in the memory.

QPR 3 West Brom 2 1967

Six years into its existence the two-legged finals were scrapped in favour of a one-off Wembley showdown and it’s fair to say that QPR and the Baggies did the decision justice from the off.

Two divisions separated the sides and when the top flight Midlands club went two up before the break the result appeared a formality. An incredible 18 minutes in the second half turned the game on its head starting with a set-piece put away by Roger Morgan before pre-superstar Rodney Marsh scored what he later described as ‘the defining goal of my career’ finishing off a typically individual run. Nine minutes from time perhaps the most aptly named match-winner of them all – Mark Lazarus – tapped home to delight half of the 98,000 present.

[ad_pod id='now-tv' align='centre']

It shouldn’t be under-estimated how much this cracking game did to establish the tournament’s credentials.

Manchester City 2 Newcastle United 1 1976

The nationwide audience that tuned in were treated to one of the most memorable Wembley deciders ever and they would have been staggered to learn that this would be City’s last major piece of silverware for thirty-five years. Twelve months later this talented side finished runners up to Liverpool in the league before succumbing to decades of Cityitis.

The Blues boasted the indomitable pairing of Doyle and Watson at the back with teenage sensation Peter Barnes scheming on the wing and Asa Hartford probing away in midfield. 11 minutes in, Barnes opened the scoring only for Alan Gowling to level before the break.

The second period was barely underway when Tommy Booth headed across the Newcastle box and Dennis Tueart launched himself into a spectacular scissors kick that connected sweetly. Even today grown men approach the former forward and tell him they practised the move countless times as a child often injuring themselves on the settee or bed.

Born-and-bred Geordie Tueart didn’t visit home for a while after this.

Norwich City 1 Sunderland 0

This may not have been the most captivating of showpieces but the backstory alone warrants its inclusion here.

With both clubs heading for the relegation trap-door and otherwise enduring tough seasons both sets of fans were determined to enjoy their day thus fostering a communal spirit between them that persists. It means that in the 24 meetings since – in the league and cups – a ‘Friendship Trophy’ has additionally been contested for with Mackems and Canaries sharing pubs post-games to reminisce.

Missing the point entirely, Talksport named it one of football’s most pointless awards in 2013. We think it’s rather lovely and only wish it were more commonplace.

Luton Town 3 Arsenal 2 1988

For those of a certain vintage this is a pure slice of retro-heaven and a thoroughly outstanding match to boot. Arsenal were the clear favourites with manager George Graham’s dynasty built on 1-0 wins firmly in place but it was the underdogs who went ahead through an early Brian Stein strike. Order was restored late on with Hayes and Smith putting the Gunners ahead and they then looked to kill off the game carving out a succession of chances.

With just ten minutes left on the clock Arsenal were awarded a penalty and the eminently-likable Nigel Winterburn duly stepped up only to see stand-in keeper Andy Dibble save it. With hope revived Luton equalised soon after and as the game eked out into inevitable extra-time Stein guided home a last-minute winner to send Hatters fans and neutrals alike screaming at their tellies.

Birmingham City 2 Arsenal 1 2011

Arsenal once again reluctantly played the role of big bad giants but this enthralling game was all about Birmingham’s quest to secure their first trophy for just shy of half a century.

That it was achieved with just sixty seconds to spare made it all the sweeter especially as Brum had defended for their lives in the preceding 89 minutes with Ben Foster deservedly grabbing the Man of the Match award with both hands.

A comical cock-up between Szczesny and Koscielny very late on saw the ball squirm into Obafemi Martins’ path for an easy finish and though the Blues were relegated three months later they had this glorious moment to take with them. As the commentator on the day put it: “What a finish, what a final, what a celebration.”

[ad_pod id='Shoot-Xmas-Survey' align='left']

[ad_pod id='playwire' align='center']