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'It was mayhem all game' - Moyes reflects on dramatic derby draw

Everton captain James Tarkowski equalised deep into stoppage time to earn them a 2-2 Premier League draw against Liverpool in a dramatic final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Liverpool extended their lead atop the league table to seven points over second-placed Arsenal with what had been their game in hand, while Everton climbed to 10 points above the drop zone in 15th.

And after 131 years of Goodison derbies, the draw was a fitting ending with the final tally totalling 41 wins apiece and 38 draws.

Liverpool looked poised for victory when Tarkowski struck in the 98th minute with a blistering shot into the top corner. Scores of fans piled onto the pitch before a lengthy VAR review ruled the goal was onside.

Moyes grateful to emerge from derby 'mayhem' with draw

"It was mayhem all game, it was a bit of an old-fashioned throwback. The bit after the game, I could tell you about it but the truth is, it's not really what we should be talking about," said the Scot.

"What I do know is Doucoure got a yellow that led to a red which I am disappointed with as we are short of players. The place was boiling hot all night, emotional, it was an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium.

"I think it was hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium as best as they can.

"I just feel the support in here was unbelievable tonight, it was incredible support and I think it was fitting they got an end like they did.

"We didn't win, which was disappointing, but we got a draw in a game that didn't look as if it was going to go in our favour.

"It would have been hard to come here losing 2-1 and talking about it. But I think the way the crowd stayed to the end, it was a magical moment. There was a bit of tooing and froing at the end which might have added to the entertainment."

(EPA)

Lawrence Ostlere13 February 2025 09:19

Moyes grateful to emerge from derby 'mayhem' with draw

The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in an ugly on-field brawl and a flurry of red cards but Everton boss David Moyes was grateful to emerge from the "mayhem" with a dramatic draw.

Liverpool were on course to pile the misery on to their city rivals with one last victory on Toffees turf, only for James Tarkowski to hammer home a stunning volley to make it 2-2 in the eighth minute of added time.

After an agonising wait for VAR to confirm the goal, things took an incendiary turn inside the old stadium as Abdoulaye Doucoure's wild celebrations in front of the away fans sparked a furious reaction.

Reds midfielder Curtis Jones confronted Doucoure and the subsequent altercation saw both men dismissed for second bookings.

With supporters breaking on to the pitch, stewards and police became involved before Liverpool boss Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also sent off by referee Michael Oliver.

With no formal press conference from Liverpool - Slot and Hulshoff both barred from speaking by Premier League rules - Moyes focused on an important moment for his side rather than the drama that followed.

Everton manager David Moyes applauded the fans after his side secured a 2-2 draw (Nick Potts/PA) (PA Wire)

Lawrence Ostlere13 February 2025 09:02