In a thrilling final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, James Tarkowski struck in the 98th minute to secure a dramatic 2-2 draw for Everton against Liverpool, as tensions flared and four red cards were issued after the final whistle.
Liverpool, who remain seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, were on course for a vital win until Tarkowski’s stunning equalizer denied them. Mohamed Salah had initially put the visitors ahead, but Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, and both Everton manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were sent off amid the chaos that erupted at full-time.
“It was very tough,” said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. “We saw the celebrations they had in the end, so we know how much it meant for them, but the fact is it was disappointing for us.”
As Everton prepares to transition to a new 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley Moore Dock next season, they delivered a memorable performance in their historic home ground, which has hosted matches since 1892. “Mental probably sums it up,” reflected Everton boss David Moyes. “A brilliant finish for us, to finish the last Goodison Merseyside derby and score in the last minute is fitting.”
Liverpool’s ambitions for a quadruple faced a setback following a shocking FA Cup exit to Plymouth, prompting Slot to make ten changes ahead of the derby, bringing back key players like Salah and Van Dijk. Despite Everton’s recent FA Cup disappointment against Bournemouth, the Toffees had enjoyed a resurgence in league form, winning their last three matches.
The match began with a bang as Everton capitalized on a quick free-kick, with Jarrad Branthwaite assisting Beto, who fired past Alisson Becker for an early lead. Liverpool responded quickly, with Alexis Mac Allister leveling the score after connecting with Salah’s cross.
The first half saw a series of fouls and yellow cards, disrupting the flow of play. Everton had a goal ruled out for offside, while Liverpool struggled to find their rhythm. After halftime, Slot’s substitutions aimed to tilt the game in Liverpool’s favor, and Salah delivered what seemed like a decisive moment when he scored from close range after a blocked shot fell into his path.
However, Everton refused to give in. In a chaotic final moments, Tarkowski seized on a defensive lapse from Liverpool to fire into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans. A lengthy VAR check for offside ensued, and once the dust settled, a confrontation between Doucoure and Jones led to both players receiving red cards.
Slot and Hulshoff were also dismissed for their vociferous protests against referee Michael Oliver, adding to the drama of a night that will be remembered as one of the most intense in the storied rivalry’s history.
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