Everton and Liverpool played a 2-2 pounding tie on what was the final Mersesides in Goodison Park, with James Tarkowski’s dramatic volleyball to rescue a spot for Tofffees.
The game lived until the reputation of historical rivalry, with many goals, controversy and slow drama.
Everton first hit Beto, only for Liverpool to respond quickly through Alexis Mac Allister. Mohamed Salah seemed to have sealed the victory for the Reds in the second half, but the stunning delayed strike by Tarkowski ensured that the loot was shared at an unforgettable meeting.
Tfeffees made a dream of starting in front of a bad crowd at home. After a free kick in the middle section, Jarrad Branthwaite caught Liverpool’s defense besides the Liverpool guard with a smart ball, which Beto stayed up.
Everton’s striker showed a great deal of calm to hit Alisson and put his side in front of the 11th minute.
However, Everton’s lead was short -lived as Liverpool responded almost immediately. Salah, operating on the right side, gave a located cross to the penalty area, where the Mac Allister increased higher to look at a header beyond Jordan Pickford in the far corner.
Just 16 minutes in, the game was already 1-1, setting the backdrop for an exciting competition.
Ft. The latest Derby Merseyside in Goodison ends even after the delayed, delayed strike by Tarkowski.
A point was no less than we deserved. Ut! 💙
(2-2) #Eveliv pic.twitter.com/iuhuuj0pve
– Everton (@everton) 12 February 2025
The rest of the first semester was strongly disputed, with challenges that were flying, and both sides fought for control.
Five players were held before the break, depicting the intensity of the conflict. Liverpool dominated the Occupation, but Everton had the clearer chance, with Abdoulaye Doucoure missing a golden opportunity to restore the lead when he failed to hit the target closely.
Everton started the second half glittering, creating several opportunities to recover the lead. Jack Harrison and Doucoure also had the efforts that failed to make it difficult for Alisson, while Beto continued to cause problems to defend Liverpool.
Despite Everton’s pressure, it was Liverpool who hit the 73rd minute. Curtis Jones’ initial shot is bravely blocked by Branthwaite, but the recovery kindly fell to Salah, who made no mistake to shoot home to put the Reds forward for the first time in the game.
Over time, Everton has pushed forward desperately in search of an equalizer. Replacement Tim Iroeggbunam made a significant impact and his header in the 98th minute created a moment of magic. The ball kindly fell for Tarkowski, who released a thunderous volleyball in the upper corner, sending the Goodison Park to Raptures.
A long VAR check followed for a possible offside, but the goal was given, securing a dramatic end of the competition.
As the tensions were boiled, both Curtis Jones and Doucoure received second yellow cards deeply in stopping time, reducing both teams to ten men. But until then, the damage had been done and Everton had secured a crucial point against their wild opponents.
The draw extends Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points, but there was a fury on the pitch and after the event at the end of the game.
The result with Give Chasers Arsenal has been renewed hoping that they could close the gap to the title opponents in the coming weeks.
