Everton and Liverpool faced off on February 12, 2025, for a match steeped in rivalry, marking another chapter of the historic Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park. With the stakes high for both teams, Everton, positioned 16th at the time, was riding on the adrenaline of three consecutive wins. Meanwhile, Liverpool, commanding the Premier League table with 56 points from 23 matches, was eyeing to extend their lead to nine points over competitors Arsenal. This game also served as the final match at Goodison Park before Everton's monumental move to their new state-of-the-art stadium.
The match kicked off with high tension, and it didn't take long before the scoreboard lit up. Just 11 minutes in, Everton capitalized on set-piece opportunities: Iliman Ndiaye earned a foul near halfway, which led to Jared Branthwaite executing a clever pass to Bet. The defender exploited Liverpool’s momentary lapse, breaking past the defensive line before coolly slotting the ball past Liverpool's goalkeeper, Alisson Becker, giving Everton the lead. Everton’s fans erupted, reveling in the early advantage against their local rivals.
But Liverpool, undeterred by the setback, struck back almost immediately. Just five minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister latched onto the ball at the right side of the penalty area and sent it back to the center with deft skill. At the perfect moment, he met Mohamed Salah’s swift cross with precision, guiding it deftly with his head to equalize the score, silencing the Everton supporters and reigniting the energy around the field.
The first half continued with both teams exchanging blows in dynamic fashion, yet the game remained locked at 1-1 as they headed to the dressing rooms. Shots on goal at halftime stood equal, with both teams only managing three attempts as hard-fought battles brewed throughout midfield.
The second half saw Liverpool gaining momentum, and the decisive moment arrived 73 minutes in. Salah, displaying his flair, received the ball from Luis Díaz outside the box and swung it beautifully across the pitch. Following some frantic exchanges, Curtis Jones and Darwin Núñez cleverly combined, allowing Salah to pick up the loose ball and strike it home from the right. Liverpool’s supporters found their voices again, pushing their side to maintain the slim lead.
But Everton wasn’t done yet. With time running out, they showed remarkable resilience. A long cross from Vitaliy Mykolenko found its way to Tim Iroegbunam, who could not connect cleanly, but James Tarkowski reacted perfectly, expertly volleying the rebound deep past Liverpool’s defense right at the death of the match. The thunderous strike came as VAR confirmed the goal, sending Goodison Park back to a fever pitch. With both teams tired but resolute, they settled for the final score of 2-2.
This match not only highlighted the raw competitive spirit but also the significance of Goodison Park, as it marked the last encounter at the historic venue. Moving forward, Everton steps closer to their new ground, which promises to offer improved commercial opportunities.
For Everton, this encounter was about more than just points; it too served as the focal point of transition, with head coach David Moyes eager to create history after rejoining the club. The draw puts them at 16th place, maintaining their position just above potential relegation threats. Their next fixture awaits against Crystal Palace away on February 15.
Liverpool will seek to bounce back when they host Wolverhampton at Anfield just one day after Everton’s trip. The draw allowed them to stay unbeaten on the road and maintain their viable title challenge.
The match was particularly noteworthy as Liverpool made history by fielding their first-ever lineup without any English-speaking players. This remarkable milestone reflects the club's shifting philosophy under head coach Arne Slot, showcasing the growing influx of international talent. Liverpool’s lineup was filled with players from various nations including Brazil, Scotland, and Egypt.
Notably, Wataru Endo from Japan had been available on the bench for Liverpool but did not see any match action as the game progressed. His inclusion signifies another layer of international representation within club football.
Despite the result, the Merseyside Derby continues to draw enthusiasm, with both clubs garnering massive support, excited for what lies ahead. This lively rivalry maintains its pace as both clubs aim high with contrasting fates awaiting them as they transition toward the futures of their respective clubs.