James Tarkowski's dramatic last-gasp equaliser gave Everton a deserved point in a stormy conclusion to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Liverpool looked to be heading nine points clear at the top of the Premier League as a fiery encounter entered its final seconds, until Tarkowski lashed home a leveller that was only awarded after video assistant referee (VAR) checks for offside and a foul.

As tempers flared, Abdoulaye Doucoure taunted the Liverpool fans and was confronted by Liverpool substitute Curtis Jones, with players from both sides squaring up before the pair were sent off.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed after the final whistle, with Liverpool adamant Tarkowski's leveller should have been ruled out for a shove in the build-up.

It all meant Goodison Park went out with a bang, with both Everton and Liverpool ending on 41 wins apiece in derbies played in this atmospheric old arena.

Everton took the lead after 11 minutes in an emotionally-charged atmosphere when Jarrad Branthwaite's free-kick caught Liverpool cold and Beto slid a composed finish past Alisson.

Liverpool's response was instant as Alexis Mac Allister equalised with a glancing header from Mohamed Salah's cross within five minutes.

In a Goodison cauldron, with temperatures rising by the second, Salah pounced on Branthwaite's clearance to score with 17 minutes left as Everton cursed their fortunes after Doucoure had missed a glorious headed chance.

Then Goodison Park got one final moment of derby drama that will live long in the memory as Tarkowski lashed home in front of the Gwladys Street end.

Liverpool remain seven points clear at the top of the Premier League - but it was Everton who were more satisfied with the result.

From a final Goodison Park derby that looked like ending in disappointing defeat, Everton showed the revived spirit and character brought by the return of David Moyes as manager to provide a climax of genuine sporting theatre.

Everton's fans exploded with joy when Tarkowski fired an unstoppable shot high past Alisson in the 98th minute - but the celebrations were put on hold for what seemed like an age as checks were carried out for offside and a foul on Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.

The old stadium rocked when the goal was confirmed and Everton emerged with real honour and credit, having made sure they did not end derby games at Goodison on a losing note.

The brawl after the final whistle was unsavoury, Doucoure needlessly goading Liverpool's fans to the fury of Jones, but all the fire and fury of a remarkable evening encapsulated what Goodison Park is about.

Moyes has rejuvenated Everton - Beto in particular, with the striker showing a composure rarely seen previously - and they even overcame the first-half loss of key man Iliman Ndiaye to injury.

The manner in which Everton pushed Liverpool all the way, then claimed a point, was the sort of performance Goodison Park deserved and was another example of their improvement under Moyes.

Liverpool's fans were taunting their Everton counterparts with chants of "we won the league at Goodison Park" just moments before Tarkowski denied them the victory they thought was theirs.

It was a response to Everton fans directing "you lost the league at Goodison Park" after Liverpool were defeated here near the end of last season.

And those supporters would have had every right to believe the title was on its way back to Anfield as Salah's late strike looked to be putting them nine points clear of Arsenal.

In the end, Liverpool had to settle for a point - a fair outcome for all the controversy surrounding the equaliser.

Head coach Slot, who cut an agitated figure all night as Everton's fans urged their team on with deafening noise, was furious Tarkowski's goal was allowed and appeared unhappy with referee Michael Oliver throughout.

Liverpool were not quite themselves, with Everton making life uncomfortable, but their disappointment will be even more acute because they looked to be closing out the win without too many alarms until those wild closing seconds.

They can console themselves by still holding a very healthy seven point lead at the top of the league.