EPL: Late Tarkowski Goal Earns Everton Draw in Emotional Derby Finale
In a thrilling conclusion to the historic Merseyside derby, Everton captain James Tarkowski salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool with a stunning equalizer deep into stoppage time at Goodison Park on Wednesday night. The match marked the end of an era, celebrating 131 years of fierce rivalry between the two clubs.
Liverpool, who had hoped to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table, now find themselves seven points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, having played what was considered a game in hand. Meanwhile, Everton’s hard-fought draw lifted them ten points clear of the relegation zone, positioning them comfortably in 15th place.
As the clock ticked into the 98th minute, with Liverpool seemingly on the brink of victory, Tarkowski unleashed a blistering shot that found the top corner of the net. The ecstatic Everton fans flooded the pitch, celebrating what they thought was a moment of glory, only to be met with a tense wait as VAR reviewed the goal. After a nail-biting pause, the decision came through: the goal was onside, sending the home crowd into raptures.
The match had begun with Everton’s Beto creating an electric atmosphere, scoring in the 11th minute. He capitalized on a clever free kick from Jarrad Branthwaite, slipping into the box and slotting the ball under the arm of Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Alisson. However, the joy was short-lived as Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister equalized just five minutes later. He expertly timed his run to meet a cross from Mohamed Salah, glancing a header into the bottom corner to level the score.
The game continued to ebb and flow with both sides creating chances. Liverpool took the lead in the 73rd minute against the run of play. Everton struggled to clear their lines, and in a moment of misfortune, Branthwaite inadvertently directed a shot from Curtis Jones into the path of Salah, who made no mistake in slamming the ball home.
As the final whistle approached, it seemed Liverpool would walk away with all three points. Yet, Tarkowski’s late heroics ensured that the storied rivalry concluded with an equal footing: 41 wins apiece and 38 draws in their encounters.
In an emotional finale, the draw was a fitting tribute to the history of the Goodison derbies, leaving fans on both sides with memories that will linger long after the final whistle.
