New Delhi: In the penultimate Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Everton defeated Liverpool 2-2 in a thrilling match, with James Tarkowski scoring an equalizer in the 98th minute to prevent the visitors from taking a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League. Beto had given the home team the lead in the first half thanks to a creative Everton set piece, but goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah turned the tide of Wednesday’s game. Deep into stoppage time, Liverpool were dealt a devastating blow just as they appeared to be consolidating their lead over title rivals Arsenal.
Liverpool are still at the top of the table and is still attempting to win the 20th Premier League title, while Everton moves up one spot to take 15th position. Jarrad Branthwaite’s fast thinking gave Everton the lead at the eleven-minute mark. Beto calmly tucked his finish under Alisson after he unleashed him with a deft free-kick. However, Mac Allister’s glance at Salah’s skillful cross past Jordan Pickford and into the bottom-left corner ended that lead.
Following Pickford’s mishandling of Dominik Szoboszlai’s shot, Liverpool came near in stoppage time when Tarkowski dove in to deny Luis Diaz from turning home, tying the score following a fierce first half.
The Merseyside Derby. The Premier League.
Drama until the very last whistle 🍿#EVELIV pic.twitter.com/a9VrAFYJOZ
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 12, 2025
A frenzy ending at Goodison
Everton had a strong start to the second half and believed they had taken the lead again in the 68th minute. In the build-up, Jake O’Brien was hit by the offside flag, but Branthwaite scored from close range. Five minutes later, Liverpool took full advantage of that reprieve when Curtis Jones was blocked by Branthwaite and Salah converted into an empty net. There would be one last twist, though, as Tarkowski scored a goal on the volley to give Everton a point. The on-field decision to award the goal was confirmed after a VAR check for a potential offside.
The Toffees finished above their rivals in the Premier League that season thanks to a goalless draw at Anfield in May 2013, David Moyes’ final Merseyside derby as Everton’s manager. Moyes made sure Everton’s fans enjoyed the final match of this rivalry, which took place in their renowned old stadium, despite the fact that the city’s two clubs are currently at opposite ends of the table. For many stretches, it appeared to be a tale of bad luck for the hosts.
The hosts’ dynamic midfield combination of Doucoure, James Garner, and Idrissa Gueye unsettled Liverpool in a delectable atmosphere. Everton seemed the most likely to score early in the second half, and even the loss of Iliman Ndiaye, who appeared upset as he hobbled off to join Everton’s long injury list halfway through the first half, did not deter them. They could have lost confidence after Salah’s unexpected goal, but Tarkowski gave the home crowd a memorable moment in return for their boisterous support.
Tarkowski, who had come unmarked onto substitute Tim Iroegbunam’s flick-on, beat Alisson with a fierce finish into the roof of the goal, causing a number of overly enthusiastic supporters to stream onto the playing field during the raucous celebrations. Long after the final whistle blew, many Everton fans were still singing in the stands, and this outcome should give the Toffees a boost before their trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Slot had advised Liverpool to anticipate one of their hardest tests at Goodison Park, coming off a heartbreaking FA Cup exit at the hands of Plymouth Argyle. When Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Anfield on Sunday, it will be intriguing to watch how Liverpool respond to this setback, even though they still lead the standings by seven points.
Everton denied the the table-toppers Liverpool a victory in the Premier League with a spectacular late equaliser in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
