David Moyes: Goodison Park deserved drama in final Merseyside derby

David Moyes called the chaotic finish to the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park a "fitting" finale as James Tarkowski's volley in the eighth minute of stoppage time snatched Everton a 2-2 draw against Liverpool.

The Toffees had been unfortunate to be trailing to Mohamed Salah’s 73rd-minute goal, having led through an early Beto strike before Alexis Mac Allister’s headed equaliser just minutes later.

But Tarkowski then fired in at the death and, after the goal survived a lengthy VAR check for offside, there was pandemonium inside the stadium.

As supporters invaded the pitch, Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans, confronted there by Curtis Jones as a scuffle led to both players being sent off for second bookings before Reds manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed by referee Michael Oliver.

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

"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.

"I said to the players there it’s great the supporters can go away – 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, which was a magical moment. There was a bit of tooing and froing at the end which might have added to the entertainment."

It seemed right that Goodison got to witness one last full-blooded derby.

Liverpool had thought they were about to go nine points clear at the top of the Premier League but had to be happy with seven as