Kenny Dalglish scored seven minutes into his league debut for Liverpool. On 20 August 1977, the new signing from Celtic put Bob Paisley's side ahead at Middlesbrough in the opening league match of the season. David Armstrong's equaliser after half-time left Liverpool with a 1–1 draw at Ayresome Park.
Dalglish had joined for £440,000 that summer. His first Liverpool appearance had already come at Wembley on 13 August, in the goalless Charity Shield against Manchester United. Middlesbrough was his league debut, and the first opportunity to help defend the championship Liverpool had won alongside the European Cup.
Terry McDermott supplied the opening goal, with Dalglish giving Liverpool a lead they kept until the interval. Paisley had started his new No.7 alongside established players including Steve Heighway, Jimmy Case and Ian Callaghan. Middlesbrough's side included Graeme Souness, with Jim Platt in goal.
Armstrong scored in the 49th minute. Liverpool could not recover the lead, and the afternoon ended with a point apiece. Dalglish's first goal had arrived quickly; his first league victory would have to wait.
It came three days later. Liverpool beat Newcastle United 2–0 at Anfield, where Dalglish scored again on his home debut. His first week of league football for the club had produced goals away and at home, beginning with the early strike at Ayresome Park.