On this day - 17 November

Classic match

West Ham United 5-0 Sheffield United
League Cup
17 November 1971

A Bryan Robson hat-trick fired Ron Greenwood's West Ham United into the last four of the League Cup, as they eased past Sheffield United on this day 44 years ago. 

Robson's haul, in addition to a Clyde Best double, proved plenty to book a semi-final tie against Stoke City.  

Following a 2-1 win in the Potteries, the Hammers lost 1-0 at home, sending the tie to a replay. After a goalless draw in a first replay at Hillsborough, Stoke prevailed 3-2 in the fourth meeting, this time at Old Trafford, to see Greenwood's men out of the competition.     

Complete record - 17 November

1923 Burnley 5-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1928 West Ham United 0-1 Portsmouth (Division One)
1934 West Ham United 2-0 Sheffield United (Division Two)
1951 Doncaster Rovers 4-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1956 Middlesbrough 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1962 West Ham United 2-2 Fulham (Division One)
1965 Grimsby Town 2-2 West Ham United (League Cup)
1971 West Ham United 5-0 Sheffield United (League Cup)
1973 Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1979 West Ham United 2-0 Swansea Town (Division Two)
1984 West Ham United 1-0 Sunderland (Division One)
1990 West Ham United 2-1 Brighton & Hove Albion (Division Two)
1991 West Ham United 0-0 Liverpool (Division One)
1997 West Ham United 4-1 Walsall (League Cup)
2002 West Ham United 1-1 Manchester United (Premier League)

Played 15, Won 6, Drawn 5, Lost 4, Scored 24, Conceded 21