What a Finish! A Dramatic Ending to the Last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park
Final score: 2-2, with James Tarkowski scoring a dramatic equalizer in the 98th minute. Beto had opened the scoring early in the match before McAllister and Salah put the Reds ahead.
That opening goal set the tone for the heated derby everyone had been anticipating. The physicality was evident on both sides, but the first half was clearly in Liverpool’s favor.
Beto’s goal came from a cleverly taken quick free kick, but it wasn’t enough. Moyes’ men failed to trouble the Reds in the first half, allowing them to dictate the tempo without much resistance.
However, something changed at halftime.
Everton came out with a different mindset. The pressing was finally there. The physical intensity went up a notch, and Everton looked like the stronger side.
Chances started piling up right after the break, and the net even rippled, but an offside call crushed the Toffees’ hopes. Beto, leading the line, proved to be a solid focal point throughout the match—a bright spot, but too isolated.
Then came the crushing blow.
Despite Everton’s dominance, Mo Salah found the back of the net against the run of play, giving Liverpool what seemed to be a definitive lead in the derby.
That’s when David Moyes decided to introduce his winter signing, Carlos Alcaraz. But the changes came far too late. The energy in the stands faded gradually, and Everton’s legs grew heavier.
With no real solutions and some questionable decisions—such as keeping Doucouré on the pitch—it looked like the Toffees were heading for defeat.
But then, in one final moment, one last ball into the box—James Tarkowski found the back of the net, sending Goodison into chaos. The VAR review, after a few tense moments, confirmed the goal.
The closing minutes were chaotic, with heated exchanges between players and a few red cards handed out by referee Mark Oliver.
This draw leaves a bittersweet feeling. Ndiaye’s early injury might have altered the course of the match. Liverpool’s two goals came from avoidable defensive mistakes.
Yet, the intensity Everton displayed, the passion they put into this last-ever derby at Goodison Park, made it a historic moment.