James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute stunner salvages point for Everton, while four red cards mar fiery conclusion to historic clash
In a night filled with drama, tension, and late-game heroics, Everton and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in what could be the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. James Tarkowski’s blistering strike in the 98th minute ensured Everton snatched a point, but the match ended in chaos as four red cards were issued after the final whistle, capping off a fiery encounter between the historic rivals.
The match, played on Wednesday night, saw Liverpool edge closer to a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, but the Reds were left ruing missed opportunities after Mohamed Salah’s goal appeared to have sealed a crucial victory. However, Tarkowski’s late equalizer sent the Goodison Park faithful into raptures, ensuring Everton’s final derby at their iconic home since 1892 ended on a memorable note.
The drama didn’t stop there. After the final whistle, tempers flared as Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones were both sent off for clashing near the Liverpool supporters. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards for protesting vehemently to referee Michael Oliver, adding to the chaotic scenes.
“Very tough,” admitted Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. “We saw their celebrations at the end, so we know how much it meant to them. But the fact is, it’s disappointing for us.”
Everton, who are set to move to a new 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley Moore Dock next season, gave their historic home a fitting send-off. “Mental probably sums it up,” said Everton boss David Moyes. “A brilliant finish for us, to score in the last minute of the last Goodison derby is, in a way, fitting.”
The match began at a frenetic pace, with Everton taking an early lead through Beto, who capitalized on a quick free-kick by Jarrad Branthwaite to beat Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. However, Liverpool responded like champions, with Alexis Mac Allister heading in Salah’s cross to level the score.
The first half was marred by stoppages, fouls, and yellow cards, as the Premier League fixture with the most red cards in history threatened to boil over once again. Everton thought they had retaken the lead through Branthwaite, but the goal was ruled out for offside, much to the dismay of the home crowd.
Liverpool’s persistence paid off in the second half when Salah pounced on a loose ball to put the visitors ahead. However, Jordan Pickford’s crucial save denied Salah a second goal, and Everton capitalized on their reprieve. In the dying moments, Tarkowski unleashed a thunderous strike into the top corner, sending the Goodison Park crowd into delirium.
A lengthy VAR check for offside followed, and Everton fans spilled onto the pitch in celebration, delaying the restart. When play resumed, the tension spilled over, resulting in the dismissals of Doucoure, Jones, Slot, and Hulshoff.
The draw leaves Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, but the Reds will feel they missed a golden opportunity to strengthen their title bid. For Everton, the result was a fitting farewell to Goodison Park, a stadium that has witnessed countless historic moments in its 133-year history.
As the dust settles on this fiery encounter, both teams will reflect on a night that encapsulated the passion, drama, and unpredictability of the Merseyside derby.
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