James Tarkowski struck in the 98th minute to rescue a 2-2 draw for Everton against Liverpool in a dramatic final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday, where four red cards were shown after full-time.

Liverpool edged seven points clear at the top of the Premier League but were denied a crucial victory by Tarkowski’s thunderous strike after Mohamed Salah had put Arne Slot’s side ahead. Tempers flared at the final whistle, leading to dismissals for Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré, Liverpool’s Curtis Jones, Slot, and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff. It was a night that Liverpool may come to rue should they fail to secure a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title.

"A very tough result," admitted Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. "We saw their celebrations at the end, so we know how much it meant to them, but for us, it was disappointing."

Everton, set to move to their new 53,000-capacity stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock next season, ensured their historic home—where they have played since 1892—had an unforgettable send-off against their city rivals.

"Mental probably sums it up," said Everton manager David Moyes. "A brilliant finish for us—to score in the last minute of the last Goodison Merseyside derby is, in a way, fitting."

Salah Strikes, But Liverpool Stumble

Liverpool’s hopes of an unprecedented quadruple were dashed by a shock FA Cup exit to second-tier Plymouth on Sunday. Slot, in response, made ten changes, restoring key players such as Salah and Van Dijk, who had been rested at the weekend.

Everton, too, suffered an FA Cup setback with defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, halting some of the momentum gained since Moyes' return for a second stint in charge. However, they entered this fixture on a high, having won three consecutive Premier League matches to move nine points clear of the relegation zone—and they made a blistering start.

Liverpool were caught cold in the 11th minute when Jarrad Branthwaite's quick free-kick released Beto, who finished past Alisson Becker for his third goal in two league games.

Amid a raucous atmosphere, Everton looked poised to take control, but Liverpool responded like title contenders. Alexis Mac Allister orchestrated and finished the equaliser, ghosting into the box to nod home Salah's inviting cross.

Everton’s momentum suffered a blow when their creative spark, Iliman Ndiaye, was forced off in tears following a lengthy stoppage. The first half subsequently lost its rhythm, with persistent fouling and a flurry of yellow cards threatening to boil over in what is already the Premier League fixture with the most red cards in history.

Branthwaite briefly thought he had restored Everton’s lead when he fired home, but celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.

Late Drama as Four See Red

Slot, visibly frustrated with his side’s lack of attacking penetration, introduced Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jones, and Darwin Núñez in search of a winner. The changes paid off when Salah pounced on a rebound to prod home his 27th goal of the season after Jones and Núñez combined in the build-up.

Jordan Pickford then produced a crucial save to deny Salah a second late on.

But just as Liverpool seemed set for victory, they failed to clear a hopeful ball into the box, allowing Tarkowski to rifle a stunning shot into the top corner.

A lengthy VAR check for offside followed, forcing Everton fans to be cleared from the pitch before the match could resume. When play restarted, tempers flared once more. Doucouré and Jones were both sent off for clashing after the Everton midfielder celebrated provocatively in front of the travelling Liverpool fans.

Slot and Hulshoff were also dismissed for taking their protests towards referee Michael Oliver too far, capping off a chaotic and emotionally charged finale at Goodison Park.