Everton captain James Tarkowski scored an equalizer deep into added time, securing a 2-2 draw in the Premier League against Liverpool in an extraordinary conclusion to a thrilling final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
Liverpool Extend Lead at the Top, Everton Move Clear of Relegation
Liverpool increased their advantage at the top of the league standings to seven points over Arsenal, who are in second place, thanks to their match in hand. Meanwhile, Everton moved up to 15th place, sitting 10 points clear of the relegation zone.
After 131 years of Goodison derbies, the draw served as an appropriate conclusion, resulting in a final record of 41 wins for each team and 38 draws.
Chaos Erupts as Tarkowski 98th-Minute Strike Secures Draw
Liverpool seemed set for a win when Tarkowski unleashed a powerful shot that found the top corner in the 98th minute. Chaos erupted as numerous fans rushed onto the pitch, followed by an extensive VAR review that determined the goal was valid.
The final whistle triggered a confrontation among the players, leading to red cards being issued to Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones after Jones reacted angrily to Doucoure celebrating in front of the Liverpool supporters. Additionally, Liverpool manager Arne Slot received a red card as well.
“I believe it was somewhat of a traditional match,” stated Everton manager David Moyes. “The emotions were intense, and the atmosphere in the stadium was electrifying. You could tell how much it meant to the fans after the match, the crowd was buzzing.”
Beto Early Strike Sets the Tone for Everton
Everton Beto sent the crowd into a frenzy with his goal in the 11th minute, as he chased down a free kick that Jarrad Branthwaite skillfully placed into the left side of the box and tucked the ball beneath the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Alisson.
The celebration was short-lived, lasting only five minutes, as Alexis Mac Allister equalized by timing his run impeccably to connect with Mohamed Salah’s cross, then scoring with a delicate header to the bottom corner.
Salah 22nd Goal of the Season Puts Liverpool Ahead
Both teams created opportunities in a chaotic match, and the league’s leading scorer Salah scored to give Liverpool the advantage in the 73rd minute, coming against the run of play with his 22nd goal of the season. Everton had difficulty clearing the ball, and Branthwaite deflected Curtis Jones’ shot directly to Salah, who struck the ball into the net.
Tarkowski’s goal was a welcome stroke of luck for the defender after he was responsible for both goals in their FA Cup defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday.
“Amazing to score and it was such an Amazing night,” Tarkowski said with a grin. “I noticed the ball heading off target and thought, ‘It’s the final moments, so why not take a shot?'”
Goodison Final Floodlit Derby Ends in Drama
The last derby before Everton transitions to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock for the beginning of the 2025-26 season was originally scheduled for December but was delayed because of Storm Darragh. Its midweek evening slot on Wednesday made it the last match played under the floodlights at Goodison.
Both teams wasted multiple opportunities in the exhilarating game, with Liverpool just coming close to scoring before halftime when Jordan Pickford denied Dominik Szoboszlai’s low attempt, and then Tarkowski intervened to prevent Luis Diaz from getting a shot off from a short distance.
Van Dijk Expresses Disappointment Over Late Concession
Virgil van Dijk, the captain of Liverpool, said it was very disappointing to concede in the last second of the game.
“They would do everything in their power to make things difficult for us because this is their cup final. They benefit greatly from it, but we suffer a setback.
Early in the second half, Everton had a few opportunities, including a sitter that Doucoure headed wide, leaving manager David Moyes in shock.
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