Four things we learned from Everton's dramatic draw with Liverpool
Beto has been outstanding for Everton since David Moyes' return to the could. He scored the openng goal against Liverpool in Wednesday's Merseyside derby. Pic: AP Photo/Dave Thompson
There were plenty of signs of encouragement for Everton on their big night long before James Tarkowski's dramatic 98th minute equaliser - and new manager Moyes can take the credit.
Even if his team had lost against their old rivals, the foundations for a strong end to the season looked to be in place.
The emotional atmosphere generated as Goodison edges towards its final farewell was remarkable, but so too was the effort and game plan on the pitch.
The home side went ahead through Beto early on following a ferocious opening - and at times in the second half were all over their rivals, creating a string of chances that could have won the game.
Jarrad Branthwaite had an effort ruled out for offside, Abdoulaye Doucoure should have scored with a header and, together with Beto, caused Liverpool all kind of problems.
Everything about the performance was encouraging - and the big finale after a long VAR delay summed up their never-say-die attitude.
Ugly scenes and red cards after the final whistle - for Doucoure and Liverpool's Curtis Jones - will make the headlines but make no mistake, this was at Everton at their raw best.
Other teams won’t relish a late season visit to Goodison Park.
Another game, another record for Mo Salah after he set up Alexis MacAllister’s first-half equaliser and then scored his ninth Merseyside derby goal to put his side 2-1 ahead.
That made it 23 goal involvements in away games already this season for the Egyptian – an all-time Premier League record.
He overtakes Andy Cole who contributed 21 away goal contributions away from home – but that was over an entire season for Newcastle United in 1993-94. So, who knows where Salah will end up by May.
In what many fear will be his last season at Anfield, with a new contract still not signed, he already has 27 goals in all competitions this season.
In truth he wasn’t at his best at Goodison, but he still put his name on the assist sheet and then scored – and with his right foot, too.
The goal came against the run of play at a time when Salah appeared to be quiet. But looks can be deceptive.
It wasn't, in the end, enough to take three points. But it was a sign of the winger's impressive form.
Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister has been outstanding this season, known for his clever passes in midfield, his set-piece quality and an ability to break defensive lines.
But he’s now added something nobody expected – an ability to score with his head.
His superb finish at Goodison, from a Salah cross, was his third headed goal in a row in the Premier League.
Impressive when you consider of his previous 20 Premier League goals, 19 had come with his feet.
It seems like the Argentine World Cup winning star can do just about everything - and Everton fans must be fed up of the sight of him. He’s now scored 4 times in 7 games against their side.
Not that they will be worrying too much about that after such a stunning end to the game that sent everyone in blue home happy.
The sight of Iliman Ndiaye leaving the field with a knee injury in the first half was a painful one and could have consequences for Everton.
Ndiaye appeared to be in tears as he limped off following a challenge by Dominik Szoboszlai, and there may be some of the Gwladys Street End wiping their eyes, too.
Ndiaye had been their man in form, scoring four goals in his last five matches, and he’s going to be sorely missed.
The Toffees have managed just 25 goals in 24 games in the Premier League this season – only the bottom two, Southampton and Ipswich, have scored fewer.
But it will be a big consolation that Beto got on the scoresheet with an early opener, and was a menace all night. He has been outstanding since Moyes' return and that could be crucial for Everton's season.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
