Kenny Dalglish began his competitive career as Liverpool's player-manager with a 2–0 win over Arsenal at Anfield on 17 August 1985. He selected himself alongside Ian Rush as Ronnie Whelan and Steve Nicol scored the goals that opened the new league season with three points.
Dalglish had succeeded Joe Fagan during the summer. The transition followed the deaths of 39 people at Heysel, and Liverpool began the season excluded from European competition.
The early play was less assured than the result suggests. Brian Pead's account in Liverpool, Champions of Champions describes Liverpool surrendering possession repeatedly before Whelan's headed opener after 33 minutes helped them settle.
Nicol became an increasingly effective outlet down the right, while Jan Mølby distributed the ball from midfield. Arsenal still posed a threat on the break: Bruce Grobbelaar turned a Stewart Robson shot around the post before Liverpool extended their lead.
Dalglish supplied the cross for Nicol to head the second after 61 minutes. His contribution helped secure the opening victory before 38,261 spectators, with the new manager completing the match on the pitch.