In a thrilling showdown that featured four goals, four red cards, and a chaotic on-field brawl, the Merseyside derby delivered drama and entertainment far beyond the usual standards of the Premier League, marking a memorable farewell to Goodison Park.

David Moyes, affectionately known as “Mystic,” had forewarned that the last derby at Goodison would be an emotional spectacle. His prediction came to fruition when Everton’s captain, James Tarkowski, unleashed a stunning volley in the 98th minute, leveling the score and preventing Liverpool from extending their title race lead to nine points.

The historical significance of this match resonated deeply with ecstatic Everton supporters, who were determined to draw level after Mohamed Salah’s late goal nearly handed Liverpool a 42nd victory at their oldest rivals’ home ground. Tarkowski’s dramatic equalizer kept the derby tally at 41 draws, igniting a frenzy in the stands.

Tension escalated with two VAR checks following Tarkowski’s powerful finish, both concerning an offside call and a potential foul by Beto on Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté. After both appeals were dismissed, referee Michael Oliver blew the final whistle, prompting Abdoulaye Doucouré to celebrate in front of Liverpool fans, which ignited further confrontations, resulting in red cards for both him and Curtis Jones. Manager Arne Slot and his assistant also faced expulsions due to their vehement protests against the non-call on Beto.

Following the match, Premier League regulations prohibited Slot from addressing the media, leaving the anger from his inaugural Merseyside derby unresolved until his next press conference.

For Moyes and the Everton squad, this climactic night under the Goodison lights was a moment to celebrate. The atmosphere was electric, from the pre-match welcome for the team bus to the ecstasy that erupted after Tarkowski’s fantastic strike.

Fueled by the crowd’s energy, Everton made a fierce start that left Liverpool struggling to find their footing. Quick thinking from Jarrad Branthwaite, combined with slow reactions from the visitors’ defense, led to Everton taking the lead first. After a foul on Iliman Ndiaye, Branthwaite pulled off a swift free-kick that bypassed Liverpool players, allowing Beto to score with a composed finish, sending Goodison into uproar.

However, the euphoria was short-lived as Liverpool swiftly responded with an equalizer. A seamless move culminated in Mac Allister’s well-placed header, benefitting from Salah’s pinpoint cross to steer the ball past the unprepared Jordan Pickford.

Mac Allister was among several Liverpool players who would have missed this derby had it been held on its original date. The match marked Liverpool’s first lineup without any English players since the Premier League’s inception. The aggressive nature of the derby was evident with multiple bookings, and the physicality took its toll, particularly on Ndiaye, who left the field in tears after sustaining an injury following a foul.

Despite the chaos, the football on display remained captivating. Szoboszlai tested Pickford with a powerful shot just before half-time, forcing a great save and preventing a rebound opportunity for Luis Díaz.

Everton kept pressing and created several solid chances to regain the lead in the second half, both falling to Doucouré, but he failed to convert either opportunity.

The hosts also had a claim for a penalty dismissed after Konaté allegedly handled the ball before a Branthwaite goal was ruled offside following VAR check.

In the latter stages, Liverpool found it tough to penetrate Everton’s defense. Nevertheless, Salah proved once again that he only needs a single chance to make a significant impact. After Tarkowski cleared a cross from Díaz, Jones outpaced Jake O’Brien to latch onto the loose ball, laying it off to Salah, who made no mistake at the back post. Tarkowski’s last-minute volley provided a fitting farewell to Goodison Park’s storied history.