Nigerian-born Tim Iroegbunam provided the assist for James Tarkowski to score deep in stoppage time and unleash pandemonium in the final Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park as the Toffees and Liverpool played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the Premier League on Wednesday night.
While the result stretches Liverpool’s lead at the top of the Premier League table to seven points, it serves as a frustrating end to the dramatic match for the Reds, who were on the brink of getting a crucial win from the rescheduled top-flight clash.
Following exit from the FA Cup over the weekend for both clubs, the 120th Merseyside derby and final one to be played at Goodison Park saw the Toffees make sure they had memories to treasure by sharing the spoils with their illustrious rivals.
Reds boss Arne Slot made 10 changes in a bid to return to winning ways following the shock loss to Plymouth Argyle, only to see his team fall behind after just 11 minutes of action. A free-kick from Jarrad Branthwaite found its way to Beto whose effort beat Alisson for his third goal in two league games.
Liverpool’s response was quick as Alexis Mac Allister got the Reds back on level terms, ghosting into the penalty area to head in Mo Salah’s inviting cross in the 16th minute. The goal was soon followed by Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye limping off due to injury as the night was starting to look bleak for David Moyes side.
Still, the hosts started the second half well and should have retaken the lead after Abdoulaye Doucoure headed wide when unmarked inside the area. Then Everton thought they had scored a second after Jarrad Branthwaite fired home, only for the celebrations to be cut short by the offside flag.
A raft of substitutions by Arne Slot brought about the much-needed second goal for Liverpool. Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez both exchanged a one-two and when Jones’ shot was blocked by Branthwaite, it fell kindly for Salah to tap in his 27th goal of the season.
The Egyptian nearly made it three goals for Liverpool but was denied by a brilliant save from Everton keeper Jordan Pickford late on.
There was still time for one more twist as the hosts scored a late equaliser. The Reds failed to deal with a hopeful ball into the box and it fell to centre-back James Tarkowski off a flick-on by Iroegbunam, giving Tarkowski the chance to smash into the roof of Liverpool’s goal.
A lengthy VAR check followed for offside, after which, the goal stood and the home fans had to be cleared off the pitch before play could restart.
There was still more time for drama as Doucoure and Jones both got sent off for second bookable offences, after Jones had clashed with the Everton midfielder for celebrating in front of the travelling Liverpool support. Reds boss Arne Slot also saw red for his protests towards center referee Michael Oliver.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a point but the Reds hold a seven-point lead atop the Premier League summit.