James Tarkowski struck a stunning 98th-minute equalizer as Everton secured a dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The late goal denied Liverpool the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Beto had given Everton the lead in the first half, capitalizing on an inventive free-kick routine.
However, Liverpool turned the game around with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah.
Just when it seemed the Reds would extend their lead at the top of the table, Tarkowski delivered a spectacular finish in the dying moments.
The late drama didn’t end with the equalizer. Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Liverpool coach Arne Slot were all shown red cards after a post-match altercation.
Everton moved up to 15th in the table, while Liverpool remain top, though their hopes of a 20th league title took a slight hit.
The match started with Everton catching Liverpool off guard just 11 minutes in. Jarrad Branthwaite cleverly played Beto through with a quick free-kick, and the striker slotted calmly under Alisson to put the hosts ahead.
Liverpool responded soon after when Mac Allister connected with Salah’s cross, heading past Jordan Pickford into the bottom-left corner.
The first half ended evenly, with Everton nearly conceding again when Luis Diaz was denied at close range by a last-ditch tackle from Tarkowski after Pickford spilled Dominik Szoboszlai’s shot.
Everton started the second half with intensity and thought they had reclaimed the lead through Branthwaite, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside in the buildup.
Liverpool punished the home side moments later, with Salah tapping into an empty net after Curtis Jones’ shot was blocked.
However, the game’s biggest moment came deep into stoppage time. Tarkowski latched onto a flick from substitute Tim Iroegbunam and blasted a powerful volley past Alisson.
After a brief VAR check, the goal stood, sparking wild celebrations at Goodison Park. Fans flooded the pitch in joy as the stadium erupted in what will be remembered as a fitting farewell to the derby at Goodison.
Reflecting on the result, David Moyes said, “Mental probably sums it up. A brilliant finish for us, to finish the last Goodison Merseyside derby and score in the last minute is in a way fitting.”
It was Moyes’ first Merseyside derby as Everton manager since a goalless draw at Anfield in May 2013, a result that helped the Toffees finish above Liverpool that season.
Though Everton and Liverpool now sit at opposite ends of the table, Moyes ensured his team rose to the occasion.
Despite losing Iliman Ndiaye to injury in the first half, Everton’s midfield trio of Doucoure, James Garner, and Idrissa Gueye kept Liverpool unsettled for large parts of the game.
Salah’s goal momentarily silenced the home crowd, but Everton’s resilience paid off in the end. Tarkowski’s late heroics ensured the Toffees took a crucial point and boosted morale ahead of their trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
For Liverpool, this draw halts their momentum after a shock FA Cup exit to Plymouth Argyle.
Young full-back Conor Bradley, who had a solid season so far, played Beto onside for Everton’s opener. Slot later replaced him with Curtis Jones, who had a hand in Salah’s goal but was eventually sent off in the chaos that followed the final whistle.
Salah’s performance was another highlight. His involvement in 23 goals (14 goals, 9 assists) in just 13 Premier League away games this season sets a new record, surpassing Andy Cole’s 21 goal involvements from the 1993/94 campaign.
With this being the 120th and final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, it ends with both teams winning 41 games each and drawing 38 times.
Liverpool’s lead at the top remains seven points, but they’ll need to refocus ahead of their next match at home against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Moyes, reflecting on his record against Liverpool, will be delighted with how his side rose to the challenge, saying goodbye to the derby at Goodison in unforgettable style.
