Everton 2-2 Liverpool: Tarkowski's Last-Minute Equalizer Sparks Historic Farewell to Goodison Park

Feb, 13 2025

The last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was an electrifying affair that saw Everton and Liverpool battling to a dramatic 2-2 draw. As the Goodison floodlights illuminated the pitch for the final time on such an occasion, both teams delivered a match packed with high drama and raw emotion.

Pre-Match Tensions and Team Standings

Coming into the game, Everton found themselves perched at 15th on the Premier League table, narrowly sitting five points clear of the dreaded relegation zone. Liverpool, on the other hand, were looking to solidify their dominance at the top of the table. Interestingly, history added extra flavor to the tension, as both teams boasted 41 derby wins at Goodison Park, making this match a potential tie-breaker for the books.

Everton started strong, taking the early lead just eleven minutes in. Jarrad Branthwaite orchestrated a smart free-kick, allowing Beto to calmly slot the ball past the grasp of Alisson Becker, sending the home crowd into raptures.

Liverpool didn't need much time to respond. Just five minutes later, an exquisite cross from Mohamed Salah found Alexis Mac Allister, who nodded the ball home to level the score. Salah's assist not only marked his 22nd away goal contribution of the season but also set a new Premier League record.

Mid-Match Brilliance and Last Gasps

Throughout most parts of the match, the intensity was palpable. Yet, it was Salah’s brilliance that took center stage again in the 73rd minute. With a clinical finish, Salah steered Liverpool into the lead, further extending his league-leading goal tally and raising expectations for a Reds victory.

As the clock ticked towards the 98th minute, the script took another twist. Out of a seemingly chaotic scramble, Everton captain James Tarkowski emerged as the unlikely hero. His powerful strike found the net, triggering euphoric scenes among the home fans and a poignant rendition of “Spirit of the Blues.”

The emotions didn't end there. A quick VAR review validated Tarkowski's goal as onside, only for a post-whistle melee to erupt. Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Everton's Abdoulaye Doucouré were handed red cards after tempers flared. The touchline drama included Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, being dismissed.

While the draw meant Liverpool maintained their seven-point lead over Arsenal, the dream of immediate title celebration had to be put on pause. Meanwhile, Everton soared to a more comfortable buffer above the relegation zone. As these clubs move forward, the memories of this match serve as a fitting and spirited farewell to Goodison Park.