On Wednesday, February 12, 2025, football fans witnessed a historic moment as Everton and Liverpool clashed in the final Merseyside Derby to be held at Goodison Park. After 131 years of hosting this iconic fixture, the grand old stadium bid farewell to the rivalry with a dramatic 2-2 draw that encapsulated the passion, intensity, and unpredictability that have defined this storied encounter.
A Fitting Send-Off
The match, the 245th competitive meeting between the two clubs, was more than just a Premier League game—it was a poignant goodbye to a venue that has been Everton’s home since 1892. With the Toffees set to move to their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, this was the last time the blue and red halves of Merseyside would face off at Goodison. The occasion was marked by an emotionally charged atmosphere, with fans on both sides acutely aware of the historical weight of the moment.
The game itself lived up to the occasion. Everton struck first, taking the lead in the 11th minute through Beto, who capitalized on a quick free-kick from Jarrad Branthwaite to slot the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. The early goal sent the Goodison faithful into raptures, setting the tone for a fiercely contested match. Liverpool responded just five minutes later, with Alexis Mac Allister heading in a pinpoint cross from Mohamed Salah to level the score at 1-1.
Drama Until the End
The second half saw both teams vying for supremacy in a cauldron of noise and tension. Liverpool appeared to have secured the victory in the 73rd minute when Salah, ever the talisman, pounced on a clearance from Branthwaite to fire home a close-range effort, making it 2-1. With the Reds leading the Premier League table and looking to extend their advantage to nine points over second-placed Arsenal, the win seemed within their grasp.
However, Goodison Park had one final moment of magic in store. In the 97th minute—timed at 97:08, making it the latest goal on record in a Premier League Merseyside Derby—Everton captain James Tarkowski unleashed a blistering volley into the top corner of the net. The goal, confirmed after a lengthy VAR review for offside and a potential foul, sparked wild celebrations as fans spilled onto the pitch in scenes of pure delirium. Tarkowski’s strike ensured that the final derby at Goodison would not end in defeat for Everton, preserving their pride and etching a memorable chapter in the stadium’s history.
Chaos and Controversy
The drama didn’t end with the equalizer. Post-match chaos erupted as tempers flared, reflecting the raw emotion of the occasion. Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans, prompting a confrontation with Liverpool substitute Curtis Jones. The ensuing melee saw both players receive second yellow cards, resulting in their dismissals. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards by referee Michael Oliver, with the Reds furious over the decision to allow Tarkowski’s goal, believing a foul had occurred in the build-up.
The chaotic conclusion underscored the intensity of the Merseyside Derby, a fixture known for its high stakes and heated rivalries. It was a fittingly tumultuous end to Goodison’s derby legacy, leaving both sets of players, staff, and fans with a night they won’t soon forget.
Historical Context and Implications
This draw marked the 120th Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park across all competitions, with the final tally standing at 41 wins for Everton, 41 wins for Liverpool, and 38 draws—a remarkably even record that highlights the competitiveness of the fixture. For Liverpool, the result meant they maintained a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League, though they missed an opportunity to further solidify their title challenge. Everton, meanwhile, moved to 15th place, 10 points clear of the relegation zone, buoyed by the resilience shown under returning manager David Moyes.
The match also showcased individual brilliance. Salah, with a goal and an assist, continued his remarkable record against Everton, now having more direct goal involvements in Merseyside Derbies than anyone except Steven Gerrard. For Everton, Tarkowski’s heroics and Beto’s opener highlighted a team fighting for pride and survival in equal measure.
A Legacy Preserved
As Goodison Park prepares to close its doors to top-flight football, this final derby ensured its legacy as a fortress of passion and defiance. The stadium, located less than a mile from Anfield across Stanley Park, has been the stage for countless memorable moments in the Merseyside rivalry. While Everton’s move to a modern facility signals progress, the emotional farewell at Goodison reminded everyone of the deep-rooted history and community spirit that have defined the club.
For fans, the draw was a bittersweet triumph—a point earned against the odds, a refusal to bow out quietly, and a testament to the enduring spirit of Everton Football Club. As the final whistle blew and the dust settled on a night of high drama, one thing was clear: the Merseyside Derby’s last chapter at Goodison Park was a fitting tribute to its storied past.
