Liverpool installed Kenny Dalglish as their new player manager at the start of the 1985-86 season, and the appointment proved to be a huge success as Liverpool won the league in emphatic fashion. Ian Rush was in golden form through out the campaign and their league success was followed up by FA Cup success.
The 1986-87 season witnessed Liverpool finish the season off in 2nd position, losing out on the title to their Merseyside counterparts Everton. Liverpool bought John Aldridge from Oxford, many describing him as ‘Ian Rush’s double.’ Aldridge was inspirational in his debut season for Liverpool as the Reds won the league title in 1988. They had an all star team that included Ian Rush, Steve Nicol, Jan Molby, Brain Burrows and Glyn Hysen. Liverpool had the chance to win the ‘double’ once again, however they lost the FA Cup final to Wimbledon 1-0.
Liverpool were very unfortunate not to win the league title of the 1988-89 campaign as they lost a crucial match in the final day of the season to Arsenal, their 2-0 defeat meant that Arsenal were the champions, however Liverpool won the FA Cup in 1989 which brought some respect to the Reds.
The 1989-90 season was a huge success for the Reds, Liverpool won the league in emphatic style, 16 points clear Aston Villa in second position.