Doubts loomed over Kenny Dalglish’s Liverpool squad following a trophyless season in 1986-87, especially after star striker Ian Rush’s departure to Juventus for £3.2 million. Some speculated that this marked the beginning of the end for the legendary Liverpool dynasty.
In a preview for the 1987-88 season, David Lacey of the Guardian remarked that this would be Dalglish’s biggest challenge yet as a manager. John Bond weighed in as well, stating in the Express, “Dalglish has a lot to live up to this season. Time will tell whether he really can do it.”
However, Dalglish had been proactive about Rush’s exit. He had already signed John Aldridge from Oxford United in January 1987 and was gradually integrating him into the team. Furthermore, the acquisition of John Barnes and Peter Beardsley for £1.9 million signified that Dalglish intended to strengthen his squad.
With Anfield temporarily off-limits due to a sewer collapse, Liverpool’s revamped lineup faced their early tests on the road, starting with a highly anticipated opening fixture against George Graham’s Arsenal—a team that had previously denied them in the 1987 Littlewoods Cup final.
Arsenal had also made moves in the transfer market, bringing in Alan Smith just before the March deadline and adding Nigel Winterburn in the summer. The previous season had raised expectations, and Graham was eager to measure himself against one of the league’s best.
“Liverpool have overcome the loss of great players in the past, and they remain the benchmark for every manager,” Graham noted, as he confirmed Kenny Sansom as captain for the new season. Excitement built for the clash at Highbury, as John Quinton from Barclays Bank, the new Football League sponsors, attended the match alongside a crowd of 54,703—the biggest league attendance at Highbury since December 1982.
While the match would not be labeled a classic, it offered key insights into both teams’ prospects. Liverpool, clad in their new grey away kit, might have been missing Mark Lawrenson, Jan Molby, and Rush, but any talk of their decline appeared to be exaggerated. Bookmakers were well aware of their potential, listing odds of 15/8 for Liverpool to reclaim the title.
The game started with a flurry of action, as Steve Williams received a yellow card for a challenging tackle on Beardsley. The midfield battle between Liverpool’s McMahon and Ronnie Whelan against Arsenal’s Williams and Paul Davis was fiercely contested, with both teams vying for control without gaining a definitive edge.
The challenge of marking Barnes fell to 19-year-old Michael Thomas, thrust into action at right-back after Viv Anderson’s transfer to Manchester United. Barnes made his presence felt early on, delivering a cross that allowed Aldridge to net the first goal in the 9th minute. However, Arsenal responded quickly; a cross from Charlie Nicholas was headed back across goal by Smith, setting the stage for Davis to equalize with an impressive diving header.
As the match neared its conclusion, Steve Nicol added to the drama. Positioned just outside the box, Nicol had initially stood over a free kick before allowing Barnes to take it. After Adams’ header was returned towards him, Nicol launched a powerful header from the edge of the area that flew past Arsenal keeper John Lukic.
“That header must have been something Adams was proud of, but it came straight to me,” Nicol recalled in his autobiography. “I aimed to make good contact, and suddenly I found myself celebrating as the ball nestled in the top corner from all of 20 yards out. All my doubts faded away in that moment.”
The goal not only secured a 2-1 victory for Liverpool against a team that could potentially challenge for the title but also kickstarted a season that would bring them soaring back to prominence.
As the weeks progressed, any lingering doubts about Dalglish’s management evaporated. Nicol contributed to the next match with an opener in a 4-1 victory over Coventry, while Aldridge continued his scoring streak in the first nine league encounters. Liverpool’s brilliance captured on live television during a 4-1 triumph against Newcastle showcased their return to form.
Commentators couldn’t help but acknowledge the team’s smooth adaptation to changes, noting that Nicol’s extraordinary header against Arsenal marked not just a vital win, but a launchpad for the season ahead. Liverpool would eventually secure the league title, although a shocking FA Cup defeat to Wimbledon denied them a coveted Double. Social media or not, the buzz surrounding their accomplishments was palpable, though Nicol’s stunning header went unseen in the Goal of the Season nominations due to broadcasting logistics.
In retrospect, while Nicol’s goal might not have been the best of the season, its significance was undeniable. It transformed what could have been a modest point into a powerful statement: Liverpool was determined to start the season strong and reclaim their place at the top.
