EPL: Liverpool denied late as Tarkowski stuns Goodison in final Merseyside derby

Liverpool were seconds away from a famous Merseyside derby win at Goodison Park, but James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equalizer secured a dramatic 2-2 draw for Everton.

Mohamed Salah thought he had won it for Liverpool after putting them ahead in the second half, but Everton refused to go down without a fight.

Tarkowski smashed home a 98th-minute half-volley to spark wild celebrations.

Everton struck early when Jarrad Branthwaite’s quick free-kick caught Liverpool’s defense napping, allowing Beto to race in behind Ibrahima Konaté and calmly slot past Alisson.

Liverpool responded quickly as Alexis Mac Allister capitalized on a poor clearance from a set piece, nodding home from Salah’s cross to level the game before halftime.

The second half saw VAR drama, with Everton denied a penalty after Konaté’s handball, while Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai also saw a penalty shout waved away.

Branthwaite thought he had restored Everton’s lead, only for his goal to be ruled offside.

Liverpool took advantage of Everton’s missed chances, with Salah lashing home from a deflected Curtis Jones effort to give the Reds a 2-1 lead.

But deep into stoppage time, Tarkowski salvaged a point with a stunning finish at the back post after a deep cross.

Even after the final whistle, tensions boiled over, with Arne Slot, Curtis Jones, and Abdoulaye Doucouré all seeing red cards in a heated exchange.