West Ham United finished in seventh place in the Second Division in the 1979–80 season.

West Ham United's season was dominated by their 1–0 victory in the FA Cup final against Arsenal, who had been in the previous two FA Cup Finals, had just finished 4th in the First Division and were the overwhelming favourites.

West Ham's manager John Lyall tactically outsmarted his Arsenal counterpart Terry Neill by paying a 4–5–1 system, stifling Arsenal's creative midfield that included future West Ham signing Liam Brady and the steely Brian Talbot.

The only goal was scored by Trevor Brooking.