Tarkowski’s Last-Gasp Equalizer Stuns Liverpool in Final Goodison Derby

James Tarkowski’s stoppage-time strike secured Everton a point in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones were sent off after a heated clash, while Liverpool’s manager and assistant also saw red.
Liverpool remain seven points clear at the top, but Everton walked away as the more satisfied side.

James Tarkowski’s dramatic stoppage-time equalizer secured a well-earned point for Everton in a fiery finale to the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Liverpool appeared poised to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points as the tense clash entered its final moments. But Tarkowski struck in the dying seconds, with his goal only confirmed after a lengthy VAR review for offside and a potential foul.

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Emotions boiled over after the equalizer, as Abdoulaye Doucoure taunted the Liverpool supporters, sparking a confrontation with substitute Curtis Jones. A heated melee ensued, leading to both players receiving red cards. Further controversy followed after the final whistle, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff also sent off as the visitors protested that Tarkowski’s goal should have been disallowed for a shove in the build-up.

Goodison Park’s derby history ended in spectacular fashion, with Everton and Liverpool finishing level on 41 wins apiece in matches played at the iconic stadium.

Everton had struck first just 11 minutes in, as Jarrad Branthwaite’s quick free-kick caught Liverpool off guard, allowing Beto to calmly slot past Alisson. Liverpool responded swiftly, with Alexis Mac Allister glancing in a header from Mohamed Salah’s cross five minutes later.

The atmosphere inside Goodison grew ever more intense, and Liverpool looked set for victory when Salah capitalized on Branthwaite’s failed clearance to fire home with 17 minutes remaining.