Home SPORTS EPL: Dramatic Merseyside Derby Ends 2-2 as Tarkowski's Late Goal Denies Liverpool Victory

EPL: Dramatic Merseyside Derby Ends 2-2 as Tarkowski's Late Goal Denies Liverpool Victory

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Liverpool's lead at the top of the Premier League table was preserved despite a dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton, who equalized through James Tarkowski's 98th-minute goal.



James Tarkowski scored a stunning 98th-minute equalizer, securing a dramatic 2-2 draw for Everton against Premier League leaders Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. The electric atmosphere was palpable as Liverpool made their last visit to the iconic stadium.


The match got off to a frenetic start, with the intensity inside Goodison Park reaching a fever pitch. Everton capitalized on the energy, taking the lead in the 11th minute. A cleverly executed free-kick by Jarrad Branthwaite caught Liverpool off guard, releasing Beto behind the defense. The striker showcased his clinical finishing skills, opening up his body to curl the ball past Alisson with precision.


Arne Slot's team refused to back down from the challenge, and they swiftly equalized just five minutes later. Mohamed Salah, renowned for his exploits in Merseyside derbies, delivered a precise cross that Alexis Mac Allister headed home magnificently, making the finish all the more impressive given his back was to goal at the point of contact.




The opening exchanges saw both teams convert their first shots on goal, but the match subsequently settled into a more traditional, cautious derby affair. However, David Moyes' side suffered a significant setback before halftime when their star player, Iliman Ndiaye, was forced off injured, visibly distraught.


As the first half drew to a close, Dominik Szoboszlai unleashed a powerful shot that Jordan Pickford was forced to save, preventing further misery for the hosts. In the second half, Alisson in the Liverpool goal should have been tested by Abdoulaye Doucouré's unmarked header, but the Everton midfielder directed his effort wide of the target.


Liverpool's sluggish start to the second half nearly proved costly when Branthwaite scored from close range, only for the goal to be disallowed due to offside. The visitors' goal lived a charmed life, but Everton's profligacy ultimately came back to haunt them. Mohamed Salah capitalized on Curtis Jones' rebounded shot, which Jordan Pickford had initially saved, to complete the turnaround and etch his name into the record books.




Salah's goal marked his 23rd Premier League goal involvement in 13 away games this season, setting an all-time record for a single season. This historic feat underscored Salah's impressive form on the road and cemented his reputation as a clutch performer in high-stakes matches.


The goal appeared to be the decisive blow for Everton, as they struggled to create scoring opportunities in their attempts to mount a comeback. However, in the eighth minute of stoppage time, Vitaliy Mykolenko's cross sparked a dramatic turn of events. Tim Iroegbunam headed the ball into the path of James Tarkowski, who unleashed a spectacular shot that sent Goodison Park into raptures.


Tarkowski's goal withstood an extensive VAR review, ensuring that Everton extended their Premier League unbeaten streak to four matches and avoided defeat in Goodison Park's final Merseyside derby. The dramatic equalizer was followed by chaos, as Abdoulaye Doucouré and Curtis Jones were both given red cards after the final whistle.


Despite failing to win, Liverpool still moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table. However, the draw marked the 10th time in 13 visits to Goodison Park that Liverpool have failed to secure a victory, a disappointing record for the Reds.





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