James Tarkowski’s dramatic last-gasp equaliser gave Everton a deserved point in a stormy conclusion to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
Liverpool looked to be heading nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as a fiery encounter entered its final seconds, until Tarkowski lashed home a leveller that was only awarded after video assistant referee (VAR) checks for offside and a foul.
As tempers flared, Abdoulaye Doucoure taunted the Liverpool fans and was confronted by Liverpool substitute Curtis Jones, with players from both sides squaring up before the pair were sent off.
It all meant Goodison Park went out with a bang, with both Everton and Liverpool ending on 41 wins apiece in derbies played in this atmospheric old arena.
Everton took the lead after 11 minutes in an emotionally-charged atmosphere when Jarrad Branthwaite’s free-kick caught Liverpool cold, Beto sliding a composed finish past Alisson.
Liverpool’s response was instant as Alexis Mac Allister equalised with a glancing header from Mohamed Salah’s cross within five minutes.
In a Goodison cauldron, with temperatures rising by the second, Salah pounced on Branthwaite’s clearance to score with 17 minutes left, Everton cursing their fortunes after Doucoure had missed a glorious headed chance.
And then Goodison Park got one final moment of derby drama that will live long in the memory as Tarkowski lashed home in front of the Gwladys Street end.
