Two players and two coaches were sent off as the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park reached a frantic finale.
Liverpool were leading 2-1 when, in the eighth minute of added time, Everton’s James Tarkowski lashed a right-footed volley into the top corner of the Reds’ net, sending the home crowd into raptures.
As fans spilled onto the pitch, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure scuffled in front of the visiting supporters. They were given second yellow cards and sent off.
Image: Everton’s Beto celebrates scoring their first goal with Jarrad Branthwaite. Pic: Reuters
Reds manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were handed red cards after complaining to referee Michael Oliver.
Liverpool were on track to cement their position at the top of the Premier League after Mohamed Salah’s 73rd-minute goal appeared to have decided the 120th Merseyside derby in all competitions. Each side won 41 times.
Image: Liverpool manager Arne Slot remonstrates with referee Michael Oliver after the match. Pic: Reuters
Image: Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah looks dejected following Everton’s equaliser. Pic: Reuters
But Tarkowski – with almost the last kick of the game – gave Everton fans a thrilling moment to remember at Goodison, which hosted its first match in 1892, costing a mere £3,000 to build.
“Amazing to score and what an amazing night,” Tarkowski said.
“I just saw the ball going wide and thought, ‘last minute, why not?’ It managed to fall to me and I let it rip.”
Salah had earlier provided the assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s first-half equaliser after Beto had scored the opener.
The result leaves Liverpool seven points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.
Image: Everton fans with flares outside the stadium before the match. Pic: Reuters
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Blue smoke filled the air around Goodison before kick-off and Everton’s players were given a rapturous welcome.
“The place was boiling hot all night, emotional,” Everton manager David Moyes said. “It was an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium.”
Everton are moving to a new 52,888 seat venue, costing around £750m to build, at Bramley-Moore Dock on the River Mersey.
