Liverpool began the 1984–85 season with a 1–0 defeat by Everton in the Charity Shield at Wembley on 18 August. Bruce Grobbelaar's own goal separated the sides, an unfortunate outcome for the goalkeeper after he had blocked Graeme Sharp's close-range shot.
The match offered Joe Fagan an early test of life after Graeme Souness's departure for Sampdoria. Everton had strengthened their own midfield with Paul Bracewell, making his competitive debut alongside Peter Reid. In his contemporary report for The Times, Clive White identified that partnership as central to Everton's superiority, finding Liverpool repeatedly outfought in midfield.
With the match still goalless, Fagan introduced Paul Walsh for Sammy Lee early in the second half. It was Walsh's first competitive appearance for Liverpool. Soon afterwards, Grobbelaar saved from Sharp, but the ball rebounded among the players in front of goal before going in off the goalkeeper as he tried to recover.
Liverpool could not find an equaliser. Fagan nevertheless singled out Grobbelaar for praise afterwards: his concern was the performance of the team around him. With the league programme beginning the following weekend, he had a week to address it.