James Tarkowski scored a dramatic 97th-minute equaliser as Everton drew 2-2 with Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The late strike sparked wild celebrations among the home supporters as Everton secured a point in what was the last derby to be played at their historic ground.
The match ended in chaotic scenes as players from both sides became involved in a brawl after Curtis Jones confronted Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure, who was celebrating in front of the Liverpool fans.
The result leaves Liverpool seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
James Tarkowski scored a last-gasp equaliser to hand Everton a point
Reuters
Everton took an early lead in the 11th minute when Beto beat the offside trap, latching onto Jarrad Branthwaite’s defence-splitting free-kick and finishing expertly past Alisson.
The advantage was short-lived, however, as Liverpool equalised just four minutes later through Alexis Mac Allister, who met Mohamed Salah’s sublime cross with a looping header.
The visitors then took control in the second half when Salah found the net in the 73rd minute, finishing sharply after a well-worked team move to put Liverpool ahead.
With Liverpool seemingly headed for victory and a nine-point lead at the summit, Tarkowski struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a point for the hosts.
The defender’s powerful finish in the 97th minute sent Goodison Park into a frenzy as Everton salvaged a draw in dramatic fashion.
Fans rushed onto the pitch to celebrate with the players as flares were let off while one supporter managed to even grab the corner flag, with stewards and police struggling to maintain order among the chaotic scenes.
A tense wait followed as VAR officials reviewed the goal, but the equaliser was ultimately confirmed to stand, capping off a memorable night on Merseyside.
The final whistle was marred by ugly scenes as players from both teams became embroiled in a post-match brawl.
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Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were sent off after clashing at full-time
Reuters
The incident was triggered when Liverpool’s Jones charged towards Doucoure, who was celebrating Everton’s equaliser in front of the away supporters.
Jones bundled into the Everton midfielder, sparking a melee that saw players from both sides rush to the scene.
Stewards were forced to intervene as they attempted to separate the players and restore order to the heated aftermath of this historic derby encounter.
Both players were shown yellow cards, which saw them both sent off having been booked earlier in the game.
Arne Slot was sent off at full-time for complaining to referee Michael Oliver
Reuters
Liverpool boss Arne Slot was also shown a straight red card after appearing to say something to referee Michael Oliver when he shook his hand.
The Dutchman appeared to be incensed by the decision that saw Tarkowski’s goal stand after complaining about a push on defender Ibrahima Konate as he jumped.
But the France international might have escaped a potential penalty earlier in the contest after appearing to handle in the box.