Liverpool were denied with the last kick of the game in a fitting last-ever derby at Everton's famous home
Liverpool were denied victory in the last seconds of the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, with Everton snatching a 2-2 draw at the very death. Arne Slot's men moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League, but this will feel like two dropped rather than one gained having been seconds from the win.
With little over ten minutes gone Everton went ahead. The Liverpool defence went to sleep from a quick Jarrad Branthwaite free-kick, allowing Beto to ghost in behind Ibrahima Konate and coolly finish beyond Alisson.
But the Reds weren't behind for long and were soon level through Alexis Mac Allister. The hosts failed to contend with the second ball from a set piece, allowing Mohamed Salah's cross to be nodded up and in by the Argentine.
After the break, Everton were incensed when the ball struck Konate's hand in the penalty area, with both referee and VAR dismissing calls for a spot-kick. Liverpool, meanwhile, were also denied a penalty when Dominik Szoboszlai went down on the edge of the box.
Everton thought they had gone back in front when Branthwaite smashed home a corner from close range, but the offside flag went up to deny him and quickly curtail the celebrations.
With just under 20 minutes remaining, Liverpool notched themselves ahead for the first time on the night. James Tarkowski's sliced clearance allowed the Reds another chance to force an opening, with Curtis Jones' blocked shot dropping to Salah to lash home.
David Moyes' men tried to conjure up one final twist, and boy did they leave it late. With 98 minutes on the clock, a deep cross bounced all the way to Tarkowski at the far post, and he unleashed one hell of a half-volley to claw back a point, sending the home crowd into delirium. The goal was allowed to stand after an extremely lengthy and nervy VAR check for offside.
There was more drama after full-time, with Curtis Jones, Arne Slot and Abdoulaye Doucoure all shown red cards following the whistle.
GOAL rates Liverpool's players from Goodison Park…
Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence
Alisson (5/10):
Had very little to do until the game's latter stages, with Everton unable to get meaningful shots away until they really needed to.
Conor Bradley (5/10):
The youngster felt the full effect of the derby, with the ferocious home crowd furious he wasn't sent off for a second bookable offence having tripped Doucoure in the second half. Slot took no further chances and hooked him for Alexander-Arnold.
Ibrahima Konate (6/10):
Could have done with a shout from to prevent Beto simply walking in behind for Everton's opener. Dealt with the occasion well from that point onwards.
Virgil van Dijk (6/10):
Didn't rise to Beto's ultimatum off the ball and was a joy to watch on it, effortlessly spreading play with a series of diagonal pings.
Andy Robertson (6/10):
For the most part untroubled in his battles with the swift Lindstrom, though was still replaced for fresher legs in Tsimikas regardless.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield
Ryan Gravenberch (6/10):
Occasionally danced between trailing Everton bodies, but seldom enough to make a lasting impact. Taken off for Jones.
Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):
Hauled Liverpool off the canvas with an early equaliser, again coming from a header. Weaved his way through the midfield pack in similar fashion to partner Gravenberch.
Dominik Szoboszlai (6/10):
Thrust himself over every blade of grass, often leading the press himself. Came up with the odd half-volley pass to get the away section in the mood.
Getty Images SportAttack
Mohamed Salah (8/10):
Typical Salah, picking and choosing his moments to make an impact. His cross for Mac Allister's leveller was exquisite, while his nose for goals led to him landing at the right place at the right time to put Liverpool ahead.
Luis Diaz (5/10):
The only survivor from the starting line-up which lost to Plymouth. Muzzled out of central zones by Everton's ginormous defenders and appeared far more at home when shifted back to the wing. Off for Jota for the last few minutes.
Cody Gakpo (5/10):
One of the Dutchman's quieter games over on the left flank, with the equally lanky Jake O'Brien proving his match. Withdrawn for Nunez.
Getty Images SportSubs & Manager
Trent Alexander-Arnold (6/10):
Came off the bench after not being deemed fit enough to start. Provided a noticeable upgrade in technique and confidence.
Curtis Jones (5/10):
Replaced Gravenberch on the hour. It was his blocked shot which led to Salah's goal, though he didn't cover himself in glory trying to clear the ball before Tarkowski's strike. Sent off amid ugly scenes after full-time.
Kostas Tsimikas (6/10):
Powered his way down the left after coming on for Robertson. The finger of blame will naturally be pointed his way after Tarkowski came in down his side for the equaliser.
Darwin Nunez (6/10):
Liverpool found it much easier to progress the ball with a natural No.9 leading the line. Selflessly set the ball back for Jones leading to Salah's goal.
Diogo Jota (N/A):
On for Diaz for the closing stages.
Arne Slot (5/10):
This was far from a pretty Liverpool performance, and they oh so nearly got away with it. The draw will be difficult to stomach – reflected in his post-match red card – but at least a point was salvaged and they are now seven clear of Arsenal.