If a farewell game had to be remembered, Everton and Liverpool staged a performance worthy of the occasion. The last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park had it all: goals, comebacks, tension until the dying minute, and a free-for-all after the final whistle. The 2-2 draw not only preserved Liverpool's leadership of the Premier League but also prevented the Reds from establishing a commanding lead over Arsenal.
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Goodison Park, the stage for so many fierce battles between Liverpool's bitter rivals, had its history etched in the script of a goal that will be etched in the blue fans' memories forever. James Tarkowski, in the 98th minute, had ensured a heroic draw for Everton, stealing a point from the visitors in a lost game. Mohamed Salah, who was in record-shattering form during the season, left his mark one more time, but this time the party went to the home side.
Everton shocks and takes the lead with a set-play attack
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Everton were not going to be playing the role of the underdog. Even against a Liverpool side needing a win to further enhance its lead at the top, Arne Slot's team was defensively well-organized and relied on dead balls to create trouble.
And the strategy paid off in rapid time. Beto, who had not scored for a long time, was the hero of the hour. After a well-worked set-piece, Liverpool's defence was caught napping and the Portuguese striker took advantage of the opportunity to steer the ball into the net.
The target buoyed the home supporters, but it also challenged Liverpool to shift into a higher gear. Patient and in possession, the Reds inched their way back into the game. It was not long before Alexis Mac Allister struck a breathtaking shot and leveled, deflating Everton's joy.
Salah shines and Liverpool turns the game around
If anyone knows how to make the right decisions, it is Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian, already so instrumental in so many of the away games this season, took another opportunity to contribute to his remarkable Premier League record.
Liverpool kept applying pressure, dominating the midfield and threatening down the flanks. The winning goal looked almost inevitable, and when the opportunity eventually came for Salah, he did not let anyone down. One precise finish, and the turnaround was complete.
With Liverpool 2-1 in front and time running out, the Reds appeared set to leave Goodison Park with three points and a crucial head start on the title chase. But soccer, as it always does, had other ideas.
Tarkowski is the hero as Everton wins dramatic draw
With the final whistle literally about to be blown, Everton summoned one last burst of effort. And that was when Tarkowski became an Everton legend.
Late in stoppage time, on 97 minutes and 8 seconds, the ball fell perfectly on the box line. The defender fired an unbelievable shot into the top corner with Alisson having no chance. Goodison Park erupted in a display of emotions, as two points went at the very last moment for Liverpool.
Tarkowski’s goal was the latest ever scored in a Merseyside derby in Premier League history since records began in 2006/07. A truly epic farewell to a stadium that has seen generations of rivalries.
Liverpool stumbles in the title race, Everton breathes a sigh of relief
The draw had its immediate effects on the Premier League standings. Liverpool may have set themselves nine points clear of Arsenal, but they let a golden opportunity slip from their grasp. The Reds currently have 57 points and are still at the top but with pressure mounting in the next fixtures.
For Everton, the draw could be the springboard their survival struggle has been waiting for. Despite still finding it a struggle, the Toffees have now picked up 27 points and are 15th in the table. Whatever it took to get them to this draw could prove sufficient for the psychological boost they need through the final part of the season.
Goodison Park bids farewell to Merseyside derby
This match was the 120th and final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in all competitions. With a completely levelled record, Liverpool and Everton each won 41 games and 38 were drawn between them.
Their next encounter will be in a new stadium. But the historic status of Goodison Park stands unmatched as the venue of legendary battles between red and blue.