VAR drama, a brawl after the match, and four red cards: The most recent Merseyside derby at Goodison Park featured everything.

Goodison Park Erupts in a Merseyside Derby for the Ages

Good things come to those who wait, and Goodison Park had certainly been patient, enduring over two months without a Merseyside derby. When the moment finally arrived, it was a clash that threatened to shake the very foundations of the Gwladys Street.

Storm Darragh had cast a shadow over the fixture in early December, but the last encounter between Liverpool and Everton at the iconic ground was destined to unfold under the floodlights. A raucous crowd of 39,572 fans created an electric atmosphere that set the stage for an unforgettable match.

From the first whistle to the final moments, the match delivered a thrilling soundtrack that encapsulated the fierce rivalry. In the home dugout, David Moyes, due to a twist of fate, aptly described the derby with one word: “Mental.” And indeed, from Beto’s 11th-minute opener to the chaotic scenes that followed the final whistle, “mental” barely scratched the surface of the pandemonium that ensued on Wednesday evening.

Controversy and Chaos

Controversy was never far from the action, as evidenced by an irate Arne Slot, who received his marching orders for his vociferous protests to referee Michael Oliver at full-time. His dismissal was one of four red cards handed out after a tumultuous post-match melee.

The derby kicked off with Beto and Alexis Mac Allister trading blows. Beto’s opener, a result of a quick-thinking free-kick routine, was scrutinised by VAR, but the decision stood. TNT Sports co-commentator Ally McCoist praised the Brazilian’s composed finish, stating, “It’s beautiful.. it opens up the goal.”

Liverpool players were left fuming over the foul that led to the free-kick, with replays failing to conclusively show whether Iliman Ndiaye had been fouled. However, Mac Allister quickly made amends, scoring a deft flicked header just five minutes later. “What a finish!” McCoist exclaimed, highlighting the exquisite timing of the midfielder’s run.

As the match progressed, the tension escalated, with six yellow cards brandished before Mohamed Salah’s 73rd-minute strike. Steve McManaman noted at half-time, “The game has been very, very chaotic.. you’re waiting for it to slow down.”

Salah’s Magic and Tarkowski’s Thunder

The game showed no signs of slowing, but Liverpool eventually found their rhythm. Conor Bradley’s first-half yellow card forced Slot to substitute him for Curtis Jones, who quickly found himself in the referee’s book as well. Yet, it was Jones who played a pivotal role in Salah’s goal, setting up the Egyptian to score and extend his record of 40 Premier League matches with both a goal and an assist.

Just when it seemed the match was set for a Liverpool victory, the most unlikely hero emerged. James Tarkowski, who had not scored in the league for four seasons, seized his moment in the 98th minute. “Why not?” he thought, unleashing a thunderous strike that sent Goodison into raptures. Commentator Darren Fletcher declared, “The Everton captain will never forget tonight!”

A Fiery Finale

However, the drama did not end there. Liverpool’s players and fans were incensed by a potential foul on Ibrahima Konate just moments before Tarkowski’s equaliser. VAR upheld the on-field decision, but the tension was palpable as the match extended beyond the allotted time.

As the final whistle blew, emotions boiled over. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Jones clashed, igniting a fracas that required intervention from teammates and the referee. TNT Sports expert Rio Ferdinand remarked on the local derby’s unique intensity, stating, “You know that you’re lighting the touchpaper if you go over near them.”

Slot and his assistant were also sent off, as the match, which had been on the brink of chaos, finally erupted.

A Fitting Conclusion

In the end, both Liverpool and Everton had to settle for a point in what may be the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Phil Jagielka, who famously scored a last-minute equaliser in 2014, aptly described the conclusion as a “Hollywood ending.”

McManaman echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the storied history of the rivalry. “To have an ending like that, the last-ever derby? You can’t believe how it went.”

As the dust settled on a night of unforgettable football, one thing was clear: this Merseyside derby will be remembered for years to come.