A long, tension-filled pause. A nervy VAR check. A confirmed goal. Blue flames lighting up the air. Evertonians flooding the pitch. Three red cards brandished after the final whistle.
The most dramatic and emotionally charged ending to the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, as Liverpool and Everton battled to a 2-2 draw.
So beautiful and chaotic all in one sight.
All of it stemmed from one moment – James Tarkowski’s thunderous volley to equalise in the dying minutes and secure a crucial point.
That equaliser wasn’t just a goal; it was a statement.
The eruption from the home crowd, the chaos that followed, and the raw mix of emotions on the pitch showed just how much it meant to Everton fans.
In a fixture already steeped in history, this was a send-off Goodison Park will never forget.
With Goodison Park Gone Could the Merseyside Derby Still Hit These Highs?
We may have just witnessed the fiercest chapter of this rivalry in what was the last-ever Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The intensity, the drama, and the chaos on and off the pitch made it a spectacle that will be talked about for years.
But one has to wonder – was this the peak of the rivalry?
With Everton set to move to a new home, could this be the last time we see this historic fixture played at its most electrifying level? Or will the fire continue to burn just as fiercely in a new era?
Only time will tell.
Of course, no one expected a free-flowing, flair-filled contest – this fixture has always been a physical battle, and once again, that didn’t change.
By the end of the first half, the referee had already brandished five yellow cards, and you could sense that a red wasn’t far away.
However, it wasn’t until after the final whistle that the chaos truly erupted.
Two players – Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucouré – along with Liverpool manager Arne Slot, were all shown red cards in the post-match frenzy.
It was a fiery ending to a game that perfectly encapsulated the intensity and hostility of this historic rivalry.
Now, we finally have the long-awaited answer to the question: was resting the starting XI in the FA Cup worth it?
For most, the answer will be a resounding no, as Liverpool failed to secure all three points.
Sure a heated contest was always expected between these historic rivals, but the expectation remained that Liverpool would find a way to win.
Instead, this draw not only dents their title push but also leaves an even sourer taste in the aftermath of their FA Cup exit.
What was meant to be a strategic decision now feels like a gamble that didn’t pay off.
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Mo Salah’s Brilliance Continues Despite Unfavourable Result
Mo Salah was once again exceptional – seemingly the gift that keeps on giving – his goal and assist could only salvage a disheartening draw for Liverpool.
However, on a personal level, the 32-year-old continues to etch his name into the record books.
With his contributions in this match, Salah has now set a new record for the most away goal involvements in a single Premier League season, taking his tally to 23 (14 goals, nine assists).
As he continues to extend his lead as both the league’s top scorer and assist provider, his influence remains undeniable – even if Liverpool couldn’t capitalize on it this time.
As it stands, even if Mo Salah leaves the Premier League next season, his legacy is already cemented.
He is undeniably one of the top 10 greatest players to ever grace the league and unquestionably stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Steven Gerrard as one of Liverpool’s all-time greats.
From his relentless goal-scoring exploits to his record-breaking contributions, Salah has redefined what it means to be a Premier League forward.
His impact at Liverpool goes beyond just numbers – it’s about the moments, the trophies, and the consistency that have made him an era-defining figure at Anfield.
How Costly Could the Dropped Point Be?
Luckily for Liverpool – but unfortunately for Arsenal – their title challengers now find themselves further crippled by an ever-growing injury list, which could derail their pursuit of the Premier League crown.
Even with historical backing, Arsenal have not been the scariest of chasers.
That aside, Liverpool can’t afford to depend on their rivals’ misfortunes. They must take control of their own destiny now more than ever and start stepping on the gas.
With a packed schedule over the next 15 days, building momentum is crucial.
The next four matches could define their season, and if they want to stay in the title race, they need to start winning games to relieve themselves of added pressure.
As for Everton, this result pushes them further away from the relegation zone, now sitting on 27 points.
Under their new manager, David Moyes, they have developed a more purposeful and structured attacking approach – one that is already showing signs of success.
With a clear tactical identity emerging and momentum on their side, Everton look far more assured than they did earlier in the season.
If they continue on this trajectory, survival won’t just be an expectation but a certainty.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / NurPhoto
Recording Date: 12.02.2025