Everton fight back in Goodison cauldron
Everton 2 - 2 Liverpool
James Tarkowski's last-gasp equaliser secured a well-earned point for Everton in a fiery conclusion to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Authors - Sarah W and William G
Liverpool seemed poised to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points as the match ticked into its dying seconds. But Tarkowski's strike, following a tense VAR check for offside and a potential foul, ensured the honours were shared.
The derby’s intensity boiled over when Abdoulaye Doucoure, celebrating wildly in front of the Liverpool supporters, clashed with substitute Curtis Jones, resulting in both being shown red cards after a heated melee involving players from both sides.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed after the final whistle, with the visitors vehemently arguing that Tarkowski’s goal should have been disallowed for a shove in the build-up.
Goodison Park’s final derby certainly delivered drama befitting the occasion, with Everton and Liverpool now level on 41 wins each in matches played at this storied ground.
The hosts struck first after just 11 minutes, as Jarrad Branthwaite’s quickly taken free-kick caught Liverpool off guard, allowing Beto to calmly slot past Alisson.
Liverpool responded swiftly, Alexis Mac Allister nodding home Mohamed Salah’s cross within five minutes to restore parity.
In an electric atmosphere, Salah capitalised on Branthwaite’s poor clearance to put Liverpool ahead with just 17 minutes remaining, moments after Doucoure spurned a golden chance with a close-range header.
But Goodison’s final derby had one last twist, as Tarkowski fired in at the Gwladys Street End, etching his name into the fixture's history.
Liverpool remain seven points clear at the Premier League summit, but it was Everton who left the more content of the two sides.
The blue side of Merseyside has the last laugh
Everton v Liverpool - What a dramatic night Highlights here - youtu.be/hrj2rAhVVX0?... There was an amazing atmosphere outside the ground.
— European Super Football (@superfootball.bsky.social) 13 February 2025 at 17:46
[image or embed]
Liverpool supporters had been goading their Everton rivals with chants of "we won the league at Goodison Park" moments before James Tarkowski's late equaliser shattered their hopes of victory.
This was in response to Everton fans reminding Liverpool of last season's title heartbreak with chants of "you lost the league at Goodison Park" following their late-season defeat at the same ground.
Liverpool fans had every reason to believe the Premier League trophy was heading back to Anfield when Mohamed Salah's late goal seemingly put them nine points clear of Arsenal.
However, they had to settle for a draw in the end – a result that seemed fair amid the controversy surrounding Tarkowski's equaliser.
Head coach Arne Slot, who was visibly agitated throughout as Everton's raucous supporters spurred their team on, was incensed by the decision to allow Tarkowski's goal and voiced his frustration with referee Michael Oliver.
Liverpool struggled to find their usual rhythm as Everton's spirited performance made life difficult. The disappointment will sting even more as they were on course for a crucial win until the frantic closing moments.
Nevertheless, Liverpool still maintain a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
