The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in chaos and controversy as Everton held Liverpool to a 2-2 draw with a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer from James Tarkowski. The match, which marked the last derby at Everton's historic ground, descended into heated scenes at the final whistle.
Liverpool fans erupted in fury after watching their team drop crucial points in their Premier League title pursuit. The match's contentious conclusion saw Liverpool manager Arne Slot receive a straight red card for confronting referee Michael Oliver, while a brawl broke out involving Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones, resulting in both players being dismissed.
The drama began when Beto put Everton ahead, only for Alexis Mac Allister to level the score in the 16th minute. Mohamed Salah appeared to have secured victory for the visitors with his 73rd-minute strike, but Tarkowski's last-gasp half-volley, cleared after a VAR check for offside, sparked controversy with suggestions of a possible foul on Ibrahima Konate in the penalty area.
Liverpool supporters took to social media to express their frustration. "Liverpool are top of the league, Everton are celebrating a 2-2 draw. That's the difference you horrible, horrible, horrible pr*cks," wrote AnfieldRd96 on X. Another fan, Eeko Eight-Seven, sarcastically commented that Everton supporters would "tell their grandkids about the day they stole a point from @LFC which ultimately meant nothing in the greater scheme of things."
Despite the setback, Liverpool maintains a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table. Nathan Farnham attempted to maintain perspective, posting: "Wow that was some final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park! Onto the next one Redmen 7 points clear at the top of the Premier League table with 14 games to go YNWA."
The Reds will look to bounce back from this disappointment when they host Wolves at Anfield in their next Premier League fixture on Sunday. Meanwhile, social media continues to buzz with reactions, including Muhammad Usman's dig at Arsenal: "Crazy Merseyside derby. Title race should have been on but Arsenal are not serious."
The match, which a user named ForKross credited to David Moyes for "bringing Merseyside derby back to life," will be remembered as much for its controversial ending as for being the final derby at the historic Goodison Park.
