By Korede James
Liverpool missed the chance to go nine points clear of Arsenal in the English Premier League title race on Wednesday night after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before the Toffees move to their new stadium.
The fixture, originally billed for December 7, was postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
After a strong start from both teams, it was Everton who took the lead on 11 minutes as a quick free-kick sent Beto through who then slotted past Alisson.
Liverpool were back on level terms in the 16th minute as Mohamed Salah’s cross found Alexis Mac Allister who got just enough on the header to find the far corner.
Jarrad Branthwaite thought he had restored Everton’s lead but saw his goal ruled out for offside.
Liverpool then went 2-1 up in the 73rd minute with Darwin Nunez setting up Curtis Jones for an effort cleared by Branthwaite.
The ball fell into the path of Salah, who took a touch and struck home with his weaker right foot for his 22nd league goal of the season.
But the Reds failed to hold on to their lead as James Tarkowski blasted the ball into the corner in added time to earn his side a share of the points.
The match ended in chaos as both sides each had a player sent off after the final whistle, with Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones given their matching orders.
Reds boss Arne Slot was also shown a red card.
Liverpool are seven clear of the second-placed Gunners after 24 rounds of matches, while Everton are 15th, 10 points away from the relegation zone.
