The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park delivered an electrifying performance worthy of the historic venue's farewell, as Everton and Liverpool battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw that descended into chaos in the closing minutes.
In a fitting tribute to one of football's grandest theaters, James Tarkowski's 98th-minute equalizer sparked wild celebrations after a nerve-wracking VAR review. The moment quickly turned to mayhem as Abdoulaye Doucoure's taunting of Liverpool fans led to a full-scale brawl, resulting in red cards for both Doucoure and Curtis Jones. The chaos continued as Liverpool's coaching staff, including head coach Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff, were dismissed for confronting referee Michael Oliver.
Everton manager David Moyes captured the essence of the night perfectly, describing it as "mayhem all game. A bit of a throwback. The place was boiling hot all night. It was an incredible atmosphere." Indeed, Goodison Park, despite showing its age, demonstrated why it has been such a special venue, literally rocking with passionate support and creating an atmosphere unmatched in world football.
Hours before kickoff, supporters gathered around the iconic monuments that will remain as part of the Goodison Legacy Project - the statue of William Ralph 'Dixie' Dean and the Holy Trinity statue celebrating Alan Ball, Howard Kendall, and Colin Harvey. The center circle, where Dean's ashes were scattered following his death at a Merseyside derby in March 1980, will be preserved as green space in recognition of its sacred status.
The match itself was as dramatic as the venue deserved. Beto gave Everton an early lead after 11 minutes, before Liverpool responded through Alex Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah. However, Tarkowski's last-gasp equalizer ensured the final tally of 120 derbies at Goodison Park ended with 41 wins apiece.
The Gwladys Street End displayed emotional banners, including "We Built This City - 1878" and a Beatles-inspired tribute reading "There Are Places I'll Remember 1892-2025," acknowledging the stadium's impending closure. As Elton John's "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" echoed through the stands after the final whistle, it was clear this night belonged not just to Everton, who showed tremendous character in securing a draw, but to Goodison Park itself.
As Moyes, now white-haired but still passionate 23 years after his first appointment as Everton manager, reflected: "I think it was hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium as best as they can. The support in here was unbelievable, it was incredible support and I think it was fitting they got an end like they did."
While Everton's new state-of-the-art stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock beckons next season, this night proved that replicating the soul of Goodison Park - with its Archibald Leitch-designed stands and community-embedded character - will be an almost impossible task.
