Ray Kennedy and Kenny Dalglish scored twice apiece as Liverpool beat Derby County 5–0 at Anfield on 14 October 1978. David Johnson's first-half goal established the lead before four more after the interval completed a ninth victory in ten league matches.
Liverpool's European Cup defence had ended against Nottingham Forest in September, but their league results remained strong. A 3–0 home win over Bolton Wanderers and a 4–1 victory at Norwich City preceded Derby's visit. Bob Paisley's side had dropped only one point, in a draw at West Bromwich Albion.
Dalglish supplied Johnson for the opening goal after 29 minutes. Derby kept the deficit to one until half-time, but two goals in six minutes early in the second half settled the contest. Kennedy scored in the 55th minute, with Jimmy Case providing the assist, and Johnson then supplied Dalglish for Liverpool's third.
The same two scorers completed the afternoon's work. Kennedy made it 4–0 in the 78th minute from Dalglish's assist; two minutes later, Dalglish scored his second, with Alan Hansen credited as the provider. Dalglish had scored or supplied four of Liverpool's five goals.
The win left Liverpool top with 19 points from a possible 20, three ahead of Everton. Ten league matches had brought 33 goals and just four conceded. Derby's defeat was another substantial addition to that early record.