Photo Credit: Getty Images
Everton’s Last-Minute Equalizer Seals Dramatic 2-2 Draw Against Liverpool in Final Goodison Park Derby
Everton captain James Tarkowski smashed a shot into the roof of the net in the eighth minute of stoppage time, securing a thrilling 2-2 draw with Liverpool in the Premier League. His dramatic equalizer—virtually the last kick of the game—sent Goodison Park into a frenzy, adding another unforgettable moment to the stadium’s storied history before its closure at the end of the season.
The 120th and final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park had it all: four goals, four red cards, and a last-gasp finish that will go down in English football folklore.
A Night to Remember
“Amazing to score, and what an amazing night,” said Tarkowski, whose rare goal will be cherished as one of Goodison’s great moments.
Nicknamed the “Grand Old Lady,” the stadium has been Everton’s home since 1892, but the club will move to a new 52,888-capacity venue at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Liverpool Stays on Top—Just
Tarkowski’s strike denied Liverpool a victory that would have extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points. Instead, their advantage over Arsenal remains at seven after 24 games.
Everton took an early lead in the 11th minute through Beto, who celebrated with LeBron James’ signature “Silencer” move. Liverpool responded quickly, with Alexis Mac Allister heading in Mohamed Salah’s right-wing cross in the 16th minute. Salah then put Liverpool ahead in the 73rd, netting his league-leading 22nd goal of the season.
Then came Tarkowski’s moment—his powerful strike was awarded only after a lengthy VAR review for offside, adding even more drama to an already chaotic night.
“I just saw the ball going wide and thought, ‘Last minute, why not?’” Tarkowski said. “It fell to me, and I let it rip.”
Chaos After the Final Whistle
The drama didn’t end there. After full-time, Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure appeared to provoke Liverpool fans, sparking a heated exchange with substitute Curtis Jones. The scuffle escalated into a mass brawl involving players, staff, stewards, and even police officers.
Both Doucoure and Jones received second yellow cards, while Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were shown straight reds—Slot, reportedly, for aggressively shaking referee Michael Oliver’s hand.
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk weighed in on the melee: “I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans. Curtis didn’t like it, and then you know what happens.”
Slot was unable to give post-match interviews due to his dismissal, per Premier League rules.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Goodison’s Grand Farewell
The atmosphere inside Goodison was electric. Blue smoke filled the air before kickoff, and Everton’s players were welcomed with deafening cheers.
“The place was boiling all night, emotional,” Everton manager David Moyes said. “An incredible atmosphere.”
Wednesday’s match was a rearranged fixture, originally set for December 7 but postponed due to severe weather. In 120 Goodison Park derbies dating back to 1894, Everton and Liverpool finished level on 41 wins apiece—a fittingly balanced record for a rivalry steeped in history.
As the final whistle blew, Everton fans soaked in the last chapter of their club’s Goodison Park legacy—one that ended with a night they’ll never forget.