In a thrilling conclusion to the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Everton captain James Tarkowski scored a stunning equalizer in stoppage time, securing a 2-2 draw against Liverpool amidst a dramatic atmosphere. The match, which ended in a chaotic brawl involving players from both teams, marked a historic moment as it was the last derby to be held at Goodison before Everton transitions to their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock in the 2025-26 season.
The action began when Everton’s Beto opened the scoring with a well-placed shot in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a free kick taken by Jarrad Branthwaite. However, Liverpool quickly responded when Alexis Mac Allister leveled the score with a glancing header just five minutes later. The match swung in favor of the Reds when Mohamed Salah scored his 22nd goal of the season in the 73rd minute, taking Liverpool ahead 2-1.
Just when it appeared that Liverpool would secure the victory, Tarkowski’s dramatic strike in the 98th minute ignited celebrations among the home fans. The goal was initially met with a lengthy VAR review, which confirmed its validity and ensured Tarkowski’s moment of glory. “Amazing to score and what an amazing night,” Tarkowski reflected. “I just saw the ball going wide and thought ‘Last minute, why not?’ It managed to fall to me and let it rip.”
The atmosphere, however, turned sour as players clashed after the final whistle, leading to four red cards being issued, including one to Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, along with their respective managers. The intensity of the rivalry reared its head as the teams finished level on points, with Liverpool extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table while Everton moved further away from relegation.
This match encapsulated the spirit and excitement of the Merseyside derby—a fitting way to close the chapter on Goodison Park’s historic run of derbies, leaving a memorable imprint on the fans and players alike. While the fight tainted the finale, the excitement of Tarkowski’s late goal served as a hopeful reminder that in football, the unexpected can spark joy even in the most tense moments.
Overall, this match not only solidified a memorable farewell for Goodison Park but also highlighted the enduring rivalry and passion that continues to define the game. The fans, celebrated with “Forever Everton,” now look forward to the future with optimism as their team battles for a stronger position in the league.