Three of the Most Iconic EFL Cup Finals of All-Time

The EFL Cup has provided fans with some unforgettable moments over the years. Though it doesn’t always carry the same prestige as the FA Cup or the Premier League title, the League Cup has often been a stage for high drama, last-minute heroics, and history-making performances. So, here are three of the most iconic EFL Cup finals of all time.

1) Manchester United 3-2 Southampton (2017) 

The game started with Southampton on the front foot, and they thought they had taken the lead early on when Manolo Gabbiadini slotted home from close range. However, the goal was controversially ruled out for offside, despite replays suggesting otherwise. That decision proved costly, as United capitalized moments later. 

In the 19th minute, Ibrahimović opened the scoring in style. The Swede, who had already been United’s talisman throughout the season, curled a stunning free-kick past Fraser Forster from 25 yards, sending the United fans into raptures. Southampton responded well, but Jesse Lingard doubled United’s lead in the 38th minute, finishing a well-worked move with precision. At 2-0, it seemed like José Mourinho’s men were in control. 

Southampton, however, refused to roll over. Right before halftime, Gabbiadini got his redemption, scoring from close range to drag the Saints back into the contest. Just after the restart, the Italian struck again, turning sharply in the box to fire a low shot past David de Gea, leveling the score at 2-2. Suddenly, Southampton had all the momentum, and for much of the second half, they looked the more likely side to win. 

United, under pressure, needed a moment of magic – and, once again, Ibrahimović provided it. In the 87th minute, Ander Herrera whipped in a pinpoint cross, and the big Swede rose highest to head home the winner. His second goal of the night sealed United’s first major trophy under Mourinho and capped off a masterful individual performance. Southampton left Wembley heartbroken, but they had played their part in a classic final. For United, it was a reminder that when in doubt, Ibrahimović could always deliver. 

2) Birmingham City 2-1 Arsenal (2011) 

Against all odds, Birmingham City secured a famous 2-1 victory, winning their first major trophy in nearly 50 years and leaving Arsenal’s long wait for silverware to continue. Arsène Wenger’s side entered the final as overwhelming favorites. With their slick attacking play and star names like Cesc Fàbregas and Theo Walcott, Arsenal were expected to brush aside a Birmingham team fighting relegation in the Premier League. However, Birmingham had other ideas. From the first whistle, they showed no fear, pressing high and making life uncomfortable for Arsenal’s defense. 

Birmingham’s confidence was rewarded in the 28th minute when they took a shock lead. A deep corner found Roger Johnson, whose header was flicked towards goal by Nikola Žigić. The towering Serbian striker’s presence unsettled the Arsenal defense, and his header looped past Wojciech Szczęsny to put Birmingham in front. Arsenal responded before halftime with a moment of class. In the 39th minute, Jack Wilshere’s thunderous effort rattled the crossbar, and as Birmingham struggled to clear, Andrey Arshavin played in Robin van Persie, who met the cross with a superb volley into the bottom corner. The Dutchman injured himself in the process but had drawn Arsenal level. 

As the game wore on, Arsenal dominated possession but struggled to break down Birmingham’s resolute defense. With extra time looming, disaster struck for the Gunners. In the 89th minute, a catastrophic mix-up between Szczęsny and Laurent Koscielny gifted Birmingham an open goal, allowing Obafemi Martins – who had only been on the pitch for a few minutes – to tap in the easiest winner of his career. Wembley erupted as Birmingham’s players and fans celebrated a historic victory. 

3) Liverpool 2-3 Chelsea (2005) 

The 2005 EFL Cup final between Liverpool and Chelsea was a pulsating encounter filled with drama, controversy, and a thrilling comeback. At the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, José Mourinho’s Chelsea secured their first trophy under his management, defeating Liverpool 3-2 after extra time in a game that had everything – early fireworks, a late twist, and a touchline controversy. 

Liverpool made a dream start, stunning Chelsea within the opening minute. A Steven Gerrard free-kick into the box caused chaos, and John Arne Riise latched onto the loose ball, rifling a left-footed volley past Petr Čech. The Reds, led by Rafa Benítez, had the early advantage and looked determined to add to their lead. However, the Blues gradually grew into the game, dominating possession but struggling to break down Liverpool’s disciplined defense. With Didier Drogba and Eidur Gudjohnsen leading the attack, the Blues pressed for an equalizer, but Jerzy Dudek pulled off crucial saves to keep them at bay. 

As the game wore on, Mourinho’s frustration became evident. Then, in the 79th minute, Chelsea got their breakthrough in the most unexpected fashion. Gerrard inadvertently headed Paulo Ferreira’s cross into his own net while trying to clear the danger. It was a cruel moment for the hometown hero, and Chelsea seized the momentum. With the score locked at 1-1, the match headed into extra time, where Chelsea took control. In the 107th minute, Drogba bundled the ball over the line after Liverpool failed to deal with a corner, putting Chelsea ahead. Five minutes later, Mateja Kežman poked in a third. 

Liverpool, refusing to surrender, pulled one back through Antonio Núñez to set up a frantic finale, but Chelsea held on. Mourinho’s famous "shushing" gesture towards Liverpool fans after the equalizer added to the drama, cementing his reputation as football’s ultimate pantomime villain. As Chelsea lifted the trophy, it marked the beginning of a dominant era under Mourinho. For Liverpool, heartbreak in Cardiff would be followed by European glory just months later in Istanbul. 

Also Read: Europe's Most Underrated Manager – Simeone Inzaghi