Liverpool's FA Cup semi-final ended in defeat at the fourth attempt. Brian Talbot's early header gave Arsenal a 1–0 win at Highfield Road on 1 May 1980, settling a tie that had occupied 420 minutes across 19 days.
There had been a goalless draw at Hillsborough and two 1–1 draws after extra-time at Villa Park. Kenny Dalglish's stoppage-time equaliser in the second replay had brought the sides to Coventry, where an attendance of 35,335 watched their final meeting in the tie.
Avi Cohen came into Liverpool's defence in place of Alan Kennedy. But Arsenal again established an early lead. An error by Ray Kennedy on Liverpool's left preceded the attack from which Talbot headed past Ray Clemence.
This time Liverpool could not retrieve the game. Arsenal's central defenders, David O'Leary and Willie Young, dealt with the high balls sent towards them. David Fairclough replaced David Johnson in the second half, but the change produced no equaliser.
Arsenal were through to face West Ham United at Wembley. Liverpool's chance of a league and FA Cup double was gone, with a home league match against Aston Villa only two days away.