Dramatic Final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park Ends in Fiery 2-2 Draw
The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in dramatic fashion as Everton and Liverpool played out a fiery 2-2 draw, marked by a late equaliser, a mass brawl, and four red cards. The match, the 120th and last derby at the historic stadium, lived up to its billing as a passionate and chaotic encounter.
Everton took an early lead through Beto, who capitalised on a quick free-kick routine to slot past Alisson. Liverpool responded with Alexis Mac Allister’s header, before Mohamed Salah’s clinical finish midway through the second half seemed to have secured the win for the visitors. However, James Tarkowski’s stunning 98th-minute volley, following a lengthy VAR check for offside and a potential foul, ensured Everton salvaged a point.
The late goal sparked wild celebrations among Everton fans, but tempers flared on the pitch. Abdoulaye Doucouré’s provocative celebration in front of Liverpool supporters led to a clash with Curtis Jones, resulting in both players being sent off. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed for their furious protests over the decision not to penalise Beto for a push on Ibrahima Konaté in the build-up to Tarkowski’s goal.
The match was a fitting farewell to Goodison Park, with Everton fans creating an electric atmosphere throughout. David Moyes, back in charge of Everton, praised his team’s resilience and the support of the home crowd, describing the night as “mayhem” and a “throwback” to the derbies of old. Liverpool, meanwhile, were left frustrated, with Virgil van Dijk criticising referee Michael Oliver for losing control of the game.
The result leaves Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, but the drama of the night will be remembered as much for the chaos as the football. Goodison Park, set to be replaced by a new stadium next season, bowed out with a performance that encapsulated its storied history and the fierce rivalry between the two Merseyside clubs.
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