The League Cup 1987/88 was the 28th edition of the English League Cup , which had existed since 1960 .
The competition started on August 17, 1987 with the first round and ended on April 24, 1988 with the final at Wembley . The title went to Luton Town , who beat defending champions Arsenal 3-2 in the final. The club from Luton thus secured their first title in the English League Cup when they entered the finals for the first time. Arsenal had turned the early deficit with two goals in the 71st and 74th minutes, before Nigel Winterburn failed with a penalty kick to Luton goalkeeper Andy Dibble in the 80th minute and thus missed the possible preliminary decision. Two hits from Danny Wilson and Brian Stein ultimately secured the underdog Luton Town the title.