Dramatic Merseyside Derby Ends in Fiery 2-2 Draw at Goodison Park
James Tarkowski’s dramatic 98th-minute equaliser ensured the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in a fiery 2-2 draw, as Everton salvaged a point against Liverpool in a match marred by controversy and a post-match brawl. The defender’s stunning volley, following a flick-on from Tim Iroegbunam, sparked wild celebrations among Everton fans, who saw the goal as a fitting farewell to their historic stadium.
The match was a chaotic affair, with four goals, four red cards, and a mass brawl after the final whistle. Everton took the lead through Beto, who capitalised on a quick free-kick routine, but Liverpool equalised via Alexis Mac Allister’s header. Mohamed Salah then put Liverpool ahead late in the game, seemingly securing victory until Tarkowski’s heroics. The goal was subject to two VAR reviews, both of which were cleared, much to the frustration of Liverpool’s players and staff.
Tempers flared after the final whistle, with Abdoulaye Doucouré and Curtis Jones sent off for their involvement in a scuffle. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were also dismissed for protesting the referee’s decisions. The result leaves Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, but Everton will cherish the moment as a symbolic end to their time at Goodison Park.
Referee Michael Oliver faced criticism from both sides for his handling of the game, with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk claiming the official “didn’t have control.” Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett acknowledged the difficulty of managing such a high-stakes fixture but defended Oliver’s efforts to maintain order. The match will be remembered as a fittingly dramatic conclusion to the Goodison derby era.
Everton’s Tarkowski thwarts Liverpool as final Goodison derby ends in brawl
The final derby at Goodison Park ended in a 2-2 draw after Everton’s James Tarkowski pegged back Liverpool in the dying seconds
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Van Dijk says ref Oliver 'didn't have control' in Everton's 'cup final'
Read here.
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Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL chief reacts to Michael Oliver role after Everton vs Liverpool scenes
Keith Hackett has reacted to Michael Oliver's handling of the Merseyside derby after Liverpool and Everton played out a feisty match.
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Ally McCoist says referee Michael Oliver 'got one wrong' and it really cost Liverpool against Everton
Shocking decision 🤬
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Everton 2-2 Liverpool: Toffees ensure Goodison Park gets one great last Merseyside derby act
The great sporting theatre of Goodison Park got the final Merseyside derby it deserved on a spine-tingling night of emotion and chaos, says BBC Sport
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Iliman Ndiaye injury update shared after Everton forward left pitch in tears
Reaction from the Blues boss after the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park
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