Kenny Dalglish scored the goal that secured Liverpool’s 16th league championship, beating Chelsea 1–0 at Stamford Bridge on 3 May 1986. In his first season as player-manager, he completed the league campaign with a title-winning contribution on the pitch.
Everton’s defeat at Oxford three days earlier had left Liverpool knowing that victory in their final league match would make them champions. They arrived in London after ten wins and a draw in their previous eleven league games.
Dalglish settled the match midway through the first half. Jim Beglin lifted a pass over Chelsea’s defence; Dalglish controlled it on his chest and volleyed past Tony Godden with the outside of his right foot. Chelsea’s attempt to catch him offside had failed.
Liverpool then had more than an hour to protect their lead. Their defence restricted Kerry Dixon and David Speedie, while Dalglish helped retain control further forward. Chelsea brought on Kevin McAllister for John Millar with ten minutes left and moved Pat Nevin inside as they pursued an equaliser. Speedie and McAllister both shot wide.
The clean sheet carried Liverpool to 88 points and a championship neither Everton nor West Ham could take from them. The victory also ended a twelve-year wait for a league win at Stamford Bridge.
Dalglish’s next major test was already set: Everton at Wembley in the FA Cup final a week later, with the Double at stake.