Everton Hold Liverpool in Dramatic Merseyside Derby Draw | OneFootball

Late Tarkowski Strike Denies Liverpool Derby Victory

Everton’s Last-Gasp Equaliser Stuns Liverpool at Goodison Park

James Tarkowski’s dramatic late equaliser secured Everton a deserved point in a stormy conclusion to what will be the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Liverpool, on the brink of moving nine points clear at the Premier League summit, saw their hopes dashed in the dying moments as Tarkowski fired home. His goal, initially scrutinised by VAR for offside and a potential foul, was eventually given, sparking wild celebrations among the home faithful.

As tempers flared, Abdoulaye Doucoure’s animated celebrations provoked the Liverpool supporters, leading to a heated altercation with substitute Curtis Jones. The resulting melee saw both players dismissed, adding further drama to an already explosive encounter.

The draw means that after decades of battles at Goodison Park, both Everton and Liverpool leave the stadium’s storied derby history level, with 41 wins apiece.

Branthwaite and Beto Give Everton Early Edge

Everton’s intensity was evident from the outset, and the breakthrough came just 11 minutes in. Jarrad Branthwaite’s pinpoint free-kick caught Liverpool’s defence off guard, allowing Beto to slide a composed finish past Alisson. The early goal ignited the already electric Goodison atmosphere, setting the tone for a fiercely contested match.

Photo: IMAGO

Liverpool, however, responded in clinical fashion. Within five minutes, Alexis Mac Allister met Mohamed Salah’s precise cross with a glancing header to restore parity. The equaliser silenced the home crowd momentarily but did little to dampen Everton’s resolve as they pressed forward in search of another breakthrough.

Salah’s Strike and Goodison’s Farewell Drama

The tension escalated as the second half unfolded, with both sides creating opportunities. Everton’s best chance came when Doucoure found himself unmarked in the box, only to head wide from close range—an opportunity that would prove costly.

With just 17 minutes remaining, Salah took advantage of a weak clearance from Branthwaite, rifling the ball into the net to put Liverpool ahead. It seemed destined to be the decisive goal, but Everton refused to surrender. Then, in the game’s dying embers, Tarkowski seized the moment. Meeting a loose ball in the box, he lashed home in front of the Gwladys Street end, sending Goodison Park into raptures.

The ensuing celebrations descended into chaos, culminating in Doucoure and Jones receiving their marching orders after a post-match confrontation. It was a fittingly dramatic end to Goodison Park’s long and storied history of hosting Merseyside derbies, ensuring this final encounter will live long in the memory.