The final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park proved to be an unforgettable encounter as Everton and Liverpool battled to a dramatic 2-2 draw on February 12, 2025. The game, filled with excitement, tension, and controversy, delivered a fitting farewell to this historic fixture at the iconic stadium.
A Fierce First Half
Everton started the match with determination, eager to make a statement in what was their last chance to host Liverpool at Goodison Park. The Toffees drew first blood when Beto capitalized on a defensive lapse from Liverpool, firing home a powerful strike to send the home fans into raptures.
Liverpool, however, responded quickly. A precise midfield move saw Alexis Mac Allister receive the ball at the edge of the box, curling a beautiful effort past Everton’s goalkeeper to level the score. The first half ended 1-1, setting the stage for an intense second half.
Liverpool Takes the Lead
The visitors came out stronger in the second half, with Mohamed Salah proving why he remains one of the Premier League’s most lethal forwards. In the 67th minute, a well-orchestrated counterattack saw Salah slot the ball into the net, handing Liverpool the lead and silencing the Everton faithful.
With Liverpool looking poised to secure all three points, Everton refused to back down. Their relentless attacking efforts finally paid off in the dying moments of the match when James Tarkowski produced a stunning header from a corner, sending Goodison Park into a frenzy.
Late Drama and Red Cards
As emotions ran high, tensions boiled over. In the closing stages, both Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis Jones received second yellow cards, reducing both sides to ten men. The drama didn’t stop there—Liverpool’s coach, Arne Slot, was shown a red card for his reaction to the referee’s decisions, adding even more controversy to an already fiery encounter.
Implications for the Season
Despite dropping points, Liverpool maintained their position at the top of the Premier League table, holding a seven-point lead over Arsenal. Everton, on the other hand, secured a crucial point in their bid to remain in the top half of the table.
As the final whistle blew, the draw marked the end of an era at Goodison Park, with the last Merseyside Derby at the historic ground living up to its billing. With Everton set to move to their new stadium in the coming seasons, this match will forever be remembered as a classic battle between two fierce rivals.