Everton and Liverpool played a pulsating 2-2 draw in the last Merseyside derby in Goodison Park, with James Tarkowski’s dramatic volley volleye saving a point for the toffees.
The game lived the call of historical rivalry with many goals, controversy and late drama.
Everton first met through Beto, just so that Liverpool via Alexis Mac Allister reacted quickly. Mohamed Salah then seemed to have sealed the victory for the Reds in the second half, but Tarkowski’s breathtaking late strike made sure that the prey was shared in an unforgettable encounter.
The Toffees made a dream of a loud home. After Jarrad Branthwaite had awarded a free kick in midfield, he caught Liverpool’s defense with a clever ball, held onto the Beto.
The Everton striker showed a great serenity to come past Alisson and to bring his side in front of him in the 11th minute.
However, Everton’s lead was short -term when Liverpool reacted almost immediately. Salah, who operated on the right flank, delivered a peak cross to the penalty area, where Mac Allister climbed the highest to throw a header into the outermost corner over Jordan Pickford.
Only in 16 minutes the game was already 1-1 and set the stage for an exciting competition.
Ft. The last Merseyside derby in Goodison ends after Tarkowski’s later strike.
One point was no less than we deserved it. Utt! 💙
(2-2) #Eveliv pic.twitter.com/iuhuuj0pve
– Everton (@everton) February 12, 2025
The rest of the first half was fiercely contested and the challenges flew when both sides fought for control.
Five players were booked before the break and illustrate the intensity of the collision. Liverpool dominated the possession, but Everton had the clearer chances, with Abdoulaye Doucore giving a golden opportunity to restore the lead when he did not reach the goal up close.
Everton started the second half brightly and made several options to regain the lead. Jack Harrison and Doucore had both efforts that Alisson did not bother, while Beto continued to cause problems for the defense of Liverpool.
Despite Everton’s pressure, it was Liverpool who hit next in the 73rd minute. Curtis Jones’ first shot was brave by Branthwaite, but Salah’s rebound, who made no mistake to shoot home to drive the red in the game for the first time.
Over time, Everton desperately pushed in search of an equalizer. The replacement Tim Iroegbunam had a significant influence, and his header in the 98th minute brought up a moment of magic. The ball fell kindly for Tarkowski, who loosened a thundering volley into the upper corner and sent Goodison Park into raptures.
A lengthy VAR check followed for a possible offside, but the goal was administered to ensure a dramatic end of the competition.
When the tensions came up, both Curtis Jones and Doucore received the second yellow cards deep into stoppage time and reduced both teams to ten men. Until then, the damage had been done and Everton had secured a crucial point against her violent rivals.
The draw extends Liverpool’s leadership at the head of the Premier League to seven points, but after the office at the end of the game there was anger on the field and side lines.
The result with gibs chasers arsenal has renewed that they can close the gap to their title competitors in the coming weeks.
