Merseyside Derby Bids Adieu to Goodison | OneFootball

Cor, what a Merseyside derby that was.

Delayed 65 days after the original Dec. 7th fixture was scrapped due to weather, the 120th and final derby hosted at Everton’s Goodison Park was promising to be historic regardless of the outcome.

But the outcome exceeded expectations. At least for the neutral.

Everton 2 – 2 Liverpool

Fans who lean red or blue will no doubt argue ad nauseam over whether there was too much (or just enough) extra time, whether Salah was (or was not) fouled in stoppage time, if the green line was accurately drawn, whether Beto’s in-box contact was a push, etc. But at the end of the day, James Tarkowski etched his name into the annals of Evertonian lore and Liverpool FC’s infamy with that outstanding 98th minute volley.

Honestly, as much as I wanted a Liverpool victory, I’m somewhat glad that it ended this way. Ten of the last thirteen Merseyside derbies have ended with a point apiece, so it’s somewhat appropriate that Everton fans, and Goodison Park itself, received a draw (even if it very much feels like a win). And an ending with this much drama answers unequivocally the question “Does a derby still matter?” with: YES. YES IT DOES. And everyone on the pitch, touchline and stands felt that in their gut.

Post-Match Drama

After the final whistle it took mere seconds for a fracas to occur when Abdoulaye Doucouré baited the Liverpool fans, Curtis Jones leapt upon him, and in an eye blink there were scores of bodies jostling in a melee. Referee Michael Oliver issued red cards to the two instigators. Pockets of reds and blues ebbed and flowed amidst neon-yellow security and black-clad support staff. Stewards had to carefully manage entry into Goodison’s notoriously narrow tunnel to the dressing rooms, to ensure calm.

Without condoning violence, it’s refreshing to see such an energy in a league where passion seems to take a back seat to calculation, and the eye-watering transfer fees and salaries can make one cynical about a player’s commitment.

So fair play and farewell to Goodison Park on this final Merseyside Derby. You certainly hosted a final one for the ages.

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