In one of those moments that shows why the Premier League is so popular across the world, Peter Drury’s commentary on James Tarkowski’s 90+8th thunderbolt equalizer for Everton in a 2-2 draw against Liverpool may have been the best of the season.
The superior team on Wednesday night was the Toffees, who took the lead through Beto after Jarrad Branthwaite’s deft touch behind the Reds’ defense in the eleventh minute. Five minutes later, Alexis Mac Allister’s incredible header gave the league leaders an equalizer.
After commotion broke out in the hosts’ penalty box, Mohamed Salah, who is often quiet, came to the fore with a ferocious finish in the 73rd minute. David Moyes’ team appeared to be having one of those nights, but they jumped ahead in injury time, and Tarkowski slammed home Vitalii Mykolenko’s cross after Tim Iroegbunam headed it on, sending Goodison Park into a frenzy.
A lengthy VAR check led to the goal being awarded after Arne Slot’s team objected to referee Michael Oliver for what they believed to be a push on Ibrahima Konate. The drama that transpired during the most recent Merseyside derby at Goodison Park was a moment to add to Drury’s lengthy collection of memorable commentary lines and was English football at its most raw.
Fans of Everton will adore this epic commentary on Tarkowski’s equalizer, which was produced by Drury.
Drury’s poetic and emotive commentary was absent because the game was broadcast on TNT Sports instead of Sky Sports, but Americans who watched were treated to his genius. As exciting as you might expect, a fan has shared a video of the Tarkowski equalizer from NBC Sports.
Everton worked the ball to Mykolenko on the left flank before the Ukrainian sent it into the box, according to Drury, who explained the build-up to the goal. He stated:
“Mykolenko’s on the overlap, lofted in by Mykolenko, Iroegbunam, Tarkowski!”
Before continuing, Drury allowed the roar of the Goodison Park supporters in the Gwladys Street Stand to reverberate with the audience.
“Gwladys Street is destined to be a part of history and eternity! Forever! Good night, James Tarkowski says goodbye to the Goodison Derby.
Spine-tingling commentary from the brilliant Peter Drury đź’™ pic.twitter.com/u3LRDmnN2E
— Mark Thomas (@dixiedeansboots) February 12, 2025
When it comes to his “Bafana Bafana” line, which describes Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal for host South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Drury’s ability to deliver epic commentary is unmatched. It was evident how spectacular Tarkowski’s equalizing moment was.
Before the Toffees relocate to their new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium for the 2025–2026 season, this was the final of 120 Merseyside derbies to be played at Goodison Park. The drama didn’t end with Tarkowski’s hit; the Merseyside rivals had collided for the first time at the 39,572-seat stadium in 1894.
Following the VAR review, Oliver ultimately ruled that Liverpool had made a mistake in the goal. Curtis Jones became enraged with Abdoulaye Doucoure for inciting the away team, and both players were sent out after the final whistle. Rio Ferdinand called the altercation between the two teams “not what you want to see,” yet it was actually exactly what Premier League supporters enjoyed.
