A grand farewell: The final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park delivers unforgettable drama
Goodison Park’s last-ever Merseyside Derby hosted a 2-2 draw that encapsulated why football is so widely adored.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo looks back at how the game unfolded, and why it will be remembered for time.
One last goodbye
For 131 years, Goodison Park has been the battleground for one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Fittingly, the final Merseyside Derby at the historic ground delivered everything that makes the Premier League the most captivating league on the planet - goals of the highest quality, late drama, dismissals, and deep-rooted passion that few other leagues can match.
The 120th and last derby at Goodison ended in a breathless 2-2 draw, ensuring that the head-to-head record at the stadium remains deadlocked at 41 wins apiece, with 38 draws.
A fairytale ending to a fixture rich in history.
A clash to remember
Everton, desperate to give their fans a moment to cherish before moving to Bramley-Moore Dock, set the tone early.
In just the 11th minute, Beto had the famous old stadium rocking. Jarrad Branthwaite’s clever free-kick found the striker in the box, and he slotted past Alisson Becker with composure, igniting roars from the Goodison faithful.
It was a dream start for the Toffees, but their lead lasted just five minutes.
Liverpool, so often the masters of turning momentum, struck back when Alexis Mac Allister ghosted into the box and met Mohamed Salah’s delivery with a perfectly timed header into the bottom corner.
The match continued at a blistering pace, with chances at both ends.
Everton, led by their industrious midfield trio of Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Garner, and Idrissa Gueye, unsettled Liverpool and kept the pressure on.
A golden opportunity fell to Doucoure, but the midfielder squandered a free header, much to the despair of manager David Moyes, who could only hold his head in disbelief.
Liverpool, too, had their moments, with Jordan Pickford denying Dominik Szoboszlai just before halftime and James Tarkowski throwing himself in front of Luis Díaz to block a near-certain goal.
Salah strikes, but Tarkowski has the final say
As the match entered the final stretch, Liverpool looked to have landed the decisive blow.
In the 73rd minute, Curtis Jones’ deflected shot fell kindly to Salah, who made no mistake from close range.
It was his 22nd goal of the campaign, and for all the world, it seemed like the winner. But Everton refused to let the story end there.
Deep into stoppage time, with the clock in the 98th minute, Tarkowski seized his moment.
Arriving unmarked to meet Tim Iroegbunam’s flick-on, he unleashed a thunderous volley into the top-right corner, sending Goodison into raptures.
The defender, who had endured a torrid weekend in the FA Cup loss to Bournemouth, had redeemed himself in the most spectacular fashion.
Chaos at the final whistle
The late equaliser sparked wild celebrations, with Everton fans spilling onto the pitch in scenes of unfiltered joy.
But as tempers flared, emotions boiled over.
A confrontation involving Doucoure and the Liverpool bench led to a mass melee, resulting in red cards for Doucoure and Jones.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also sent off for their protests, adding to the chaotic conclusion.
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A fitting finale
In the grander scheme, Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the table, now seven points clear of Arsenal, while Everton edged further from the relegation zone.
But this match was about more than just points - it was about history, passion, and an unforgettable farewell to an iconic fixture at Goodison Park.
Few stadiums have hosted as many fiercely contested derbies, and it’s only fitting that this final chapter was filled with all the drama, intensity, and unpredictability that make the Premier League the most thrilling league in the world.
For Everton fans, the memories of Goodison Park will live on long after the doors close.
For neutrals, this match was a reminder of why the Merseyside Derby remains one of football’s greatest spectacles.
The curtain may be falling on Goodison's role in this historic rivalry, but its legacy will endure forever.
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