Steve Nicol’s header two minutes from time gave Liverpool a 2–1 win at Arsenal on the opening day of the league season, 15 August 1987. John Barnes and Peter Beardsley made their competitive debuts at Highbury, joining John Aldridge in the attack after Ian Rush’s departure for Juventus.
The three combined to put Liverpool ahead after nine minutes. Beardsley found Barnes on the left, and Barnes crossed for Aldridge to head past John Lukic.
Arsenal responded through their own new striker, Alan Smith. Charlie Nicholas crossed towards the far post, Smith headed the ball back and Paul Davis headed the equaliser. Bruce Grobbelaar then had to retreat to turn Kenny Sansom’s lob over the bar.
Liverpool continued to find openings. Beardsley released Nicol for a cross that Craig Johnston headed over, while Aldridge missed after Johnston carried the ball forward. Beardsley, affected by the tackles he had received, eventually made way for Paul Walsh.
The winner came after substitute Perry Groves fouled Barnes near the left side of Arsenal’s penalty area. Barnes took the free-kick and Tony Adams headed it out. Nicol met the clearance near the edge of the area with another header, sending the ball beyond Lukic and into the net.
Nicholas still had a chance to equalise, but Liverpool held their lead. Their rebuilt attack had contributed to both goals in a victory watched by 54,703.