James Tarkowski's thunderbolt salvages Everton draw against Liverpool

The Toffees' resilience was on full display as they fought back from a late deficit in what was the final Merseyside derby at this historic venue.

The game kicked off with Everton taking the lead in just the 11th minute through a composed finish by Beto, capitalizing on a swift free-kick from Jarrad Branthwaite.

However, Liverpool, under the guidance of Arne Slot, responded almost immediately. Alexis Mac Allister, with his back to goal, headed in a beautifully delivered cross from Mohamed Salah to level the score at 1-1.

The match then settled into a more typical, tense derby rhythm with both teams cautious yet eager. Everton faced a setback when Iliman Ndiaye was forced off due to injury before halftime. The second half saw Everton threaten through Branthwaite, but the goal was chalked off for offside.

Liverpool then took the lead in the 73rd minute when Salah pounced on a rebound after Jordan Pickford saved a shot from Curtis Jones. This goal seemed to seal the match, but the drama was far from over.

As the clock ticked into stoppage time, Everton found their equalizer. Vitaliy Mykolenko's cross was flicked on by Tim Iroegbunam, setting up Tarkowski for a dramatic finish that sent Goodison into a frenzy. After a lengthy VAR review for offside, the goal stood, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Post-match, the atmosphere turned chaotic with Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrating towards the Liverpool supporters, leading to a confrontation with Curtis Jones. Both received second yellows, resulting in their dismissals, alongside red cards for Liverpool's manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.

David Moyes reflected on the match, stating, "I think it was hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium as best as they can. The support was incredible tonight, and it was fitting they got an end like they did."

He also acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster, adding, "It was mayhem all game, a bit of an old-fashioned throwback."

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to BBC Sport, expressed his disappointment, "To concede an equaliser that late is always disappointing. We saw the celebrations they had in the end so we know how much it meant for them but the fact is it was disappointing for us."

With this result, Everton extended their unbeaten run to four matches, distancing themselves further from the relegation zone, while Liverpool, despite the draw, maintain a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

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