On the other hand, Sunderland's only silverware since World War II was winning the FA Cup in 1973, and the team had just finished 17th in the Second Division.

Liverpool's best chance saw Michael Thomas lift his shot over the bar when pressured by the Sunderland goalkeeper Tony Norman.

Thomas redeemed himself after 47 minutes, when he scored the first goal of the game, following excellent work down the right wing by Steve McManaman, the youngest player on the pitch.

Liverpool continued to dominate for the rest of the game and Ray Houghton came close to scoring when he almost lobbed Norman from forty yards.

The Sunderland squad was notable for being the most recent time that a side featured only players born in the British Isles in the FA Cup final.