Late Drama as Everton snatch draw in Merseyside derby thriller

Liverpool suffered late heartbreak at Goodison Park as Everton snatched a 2-2 draw in stoppage time during the historic ground’s final Merseyside derby.

Despite maintaining their seven-point league lead, Arne Slot’s side will view this result as two costly dropped points.

The match exploded into life early when Everton struck first.

Within 10 minutes, Jarrad Branthwaite cleverly caught Liverpool’s defense off guard with a quick free-kick, releasing Beto to calmly slot past Alisson.

Liverpool struck back immediately, however. Mohamed Salah delivered a precise cross from a recycled set-piece, which Alexis Mac Allister headed home to equalize.

Both teams traded chances but entered halftime level.

Controversy erupted in the second half when Everton protested Ibrahima Konate’s uncalled handball in the box.

Later, Liverpool claimed a penalty after Dominik Szoboszlai went down near Everton’s area, but neither appeal succeeded.

Everton appeared to regain the lead through Branthwaite’s close-range finish, but an offside flag denied them.

Liverpool then capitalized when James Tarkowski’s poor clearance fell to Salah, who blasted home an 80th-minute winner.

Everton refused to surrender, ultimately snatching a 98th-minute equalizer.

Tarkowski redeemed himself by thundering a half-volley past Alisson from a looping cross, igniting pandemonium.

VAR confirmed the goal, sealing a thrilling stalemate.

The drama didn’t end there. Tempers flared after the final whistle, leading to red cards for Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and manager Arne Slot, as well as Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.

The post-match chaos underscored the intensity of this fiercely contested derby.

For Liverpool, this result will feel like a missed opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Everton, on the other hand, will take heart from their resilience and ability to snatch a point against their bitter rivals in such dramatic fashion.

The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park will be remembered as an enthralling clash filled with goals, controversy, and late drama—an unforgettable chapter in one of English football’s most storied rivalries.

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