… better and better!
Defending champion Liverpool FC and arch-rivals Manchester United fought an exciting battle for the title in the 1979/1980 First Division season, which was only decided on the last matchday in favor of the offensively strong Reds (81 goals this season). Liverpool thus secured the twelfth championship title in the club’s history, but there was an embarrassment in the European Champions Cup, where they lost in the first round against the Georgian champions Dinamo Tbilisi.
Arsenal FC reached 4th place in the First Division table. In the FA Cup, the “Gunners” once again fought a thrilling duel with Liverpool for a place in the final, which was only decided in the third replay game. However, the Londoners’ efforts were not crowned with success; in the final they had to admit defeat to West Ham United 0-1. Just 4 days later there was the next bitter defeat in the European Cup Winners’ Cup, when FC Valencia prevailed in the penalty shootout.
After a strong final spurt in the league, Nottingham Forest reached 5th place in the table. However, head coach Brian Clough’s team was once again unbeatable on the European stage. Forest successfully defended their European Cup title and defeated Hamburger SV in the final at the Santiago Bernabeu thanks to a goal from Scottish winger John Robertson.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers landed in 6th place, and were also able to prevail in the League Cup final against Nottingham in front of 96,527 spectators at Wembley Stadium. For the “Wolves” it was to be the last major cup success in England to date.
Phil Boyer from Southampton FC surprisingly won the top scorer’s trophy. The 30-year-old was in the form of his life, scoring three hat-tricks and finishing the season with 23 goals. Southampton subsequently strengthened themselves with Kevin Keegan, whereupon Boyer lost his regular place and moved to Manchester City.
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