Goodison Park witnessed a truly explosive final Merseyside derby on February 12, 2025, as Everton secured a dramatic 2-2 draw with Liverpool in a match that had everything – from stunning goals to furious confrontations and red cards. As the historic stadium bids farewell to Premier League football, the atmosphere and drama of the night will forever be etched in the minds of fans.
Early Drama and Tactical Mastery
The game kicked off with intensity as both teams went straight into battle. Everton, led by manager David Moyes, made it clear from the start that they would not let Liverpool settle. A quick-thinking free kick by Jarrad Branthwaite and a cool finish from Beto sent the Goodison faithful into ecstasy early on, giving the Toffees a 1-0 lead. Liverpool’s defence appeared sluggish, failing to react quickly to Everton’s well-executed training ground routine.
But it didn’t take long for Liverpool to respond. The Reds dominated possession for large spells, and it was their patience that paid off when Alexis Mac Allister equalized with a clinical header. The Argentine midfielder found himself unmarked in the penalty box, and Mohamed Salah’s pinpoint cross found its mark, leveling the score at 1-1. Jordan Pickford, who had been solid throughout the first half, had no chance as Mac Allister steered the ball into the bottom corner.
The match’s physicality was evident throughout, with both teams racking up bookings. Five yellow cards were handed out in the first half alone, emphasizing the fierce nature of this rivalry. Idrissa Gueye and Conor Bradley were both fortunate to avoid second bookings, while Mac Allister narrowly escaped one as well. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye, having impressed early on, was forced to leave the field in tears after a foul from behind by Dominik Szoboszlai left him with a knee injury.
Controversy and Second-Half Tension
As the second half unfolded, the physicality only increased. Everton continued to press high, disrupting Liverpool’s rhythm and creating several opportunities to retake the lead. Abdoulaye Doucouré, ever the threat in midfield, was presented with two clear chances but was unable to convert. A free header from a Gueye cross went wide, and a miscued shot from a Tarkowski pass failed to find the target.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, who had been largely contained in the second half, made his presence felt once again. Curtis Jones, another substitute, had a crucial role in the goal that put Liverpool in front. A neat interchange with Darwin Núñez set up the opportunity, and though Branthwaite cleared Jones’ shot off the line, the ball fell perfectly for Salah at the back post. The Egyptian international made no mistake, volleying home to give Liverpool a 2-1 advantage.
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With time running out, Everton pushed for a last-ditch equalizer. The home side’s persistence paid off when James Tarkowski scored a stunning 98th-minute volley to level the scores at 2-2. The goal came after a long ball into the box, which Tim Iroegbunam flicked on for Tarkowski to latch onto and send past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. There was a brief VAR check for offside and a possible foul on Ibrahima Konaté by Beto, but both were cleared, and the goal stood.
The celebrations were wild, with Everton’s players and fans celebrating the dramatic late goal. But the chaos didn’t end there. In the aftermath of Tarkowski’s equalizer, Abdoulaye Doucouré was seen celebrating in front of the Liverpool fans, provoking a response from Curtis Jones. The two players clashed, and both were sent off after receiving their second yellow cards of the match.
The situation only escalated further when Arne Slot, the assistant manager for Liverpool, and his colleague Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards for protesting the decision not to penalize Beto for a potential foul on Konaté. Slot was therefore unable to conduct a post-match interview, adding another layer of drama to an already tense evening.
A Fitting Farewell for Goodison Park
Despite the chaos and controversy, for Everton, this 2-2 draw against their oldest rivals was a fitting tribute to the final competitive fixture at Goodison Park. The stadium, which has been home to the Toffees since 1892, will now be replaced as the club moves to a new ground. The Merseyside derby, known for its fiery atmosphere, had its fair share of drama, but this one may have been the most fitting farewell to an iconic venue in football history.
The final whistle blew after a night that captured the spirit of the Goodison derby in every way. Four goals, four red cards, and a dramatic final-minute equalizer ensured that the match will be remembered as one of the most memorable in Merseyside derby history. The Toffees may have only managed a draw, but in a night of such emotion and spectacle, it felt like much more.
As the sun set on Goodison Park, Evertonians celebrated the last-ever derby at their beloved ground, knowing that this game would live long in their memories. For Liverpool, while the draw did not secure all three points, it kept them in the driver’s seat in the Premier League title race, with the team still seven points clear at the top.
In the end, it was a night that belonged to the players, the fans, and the storied history of Goodison Park. A fitting farewell, full of controversy, passion, and unforgettable moments, that encapsulated everything that is great about Merseyside football.
