Dramatic Merseyside Derby Ends 2-2 as Tarkowski Seals Stoppage-Time Equalizer in Final Goodison Clash
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Dramatic Merseyside Derby Ends 2-2 as Tarkowski Seals Stoppage-Time Equalizer in Final Goodison Clash

Okay, so I need to shorten this article to around 650 words and add some pictures. Let me start by reading through the original content to understand what’s important. The article is about the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park between Everton and Liverpool. There’s a lot of detail about the pre-match atmosphere, the game itself, and the aftermath.

First, the key points I should keep: the significance of the last derby at Goodison, the tributes to Dixie Dean and the young fan, the historic venue, the match highlights, the dramatic equalizer by Tarkowski, and the send-offs after the game. The article also includes several images with captions that I need to integrate properly.

I need to condense each section without losing the essential information. Let me start with the pre-match atmosphere. The original mentions fans at Dixie Dean’s statue, the Blue Dragon take-away, the Winslow Hotel, and the Heritage Society. I can summarize these elements to highlight the emotional significance without going into every detail.

Next, the game recap: Beto’s early goal, Mac Allister’s equalizer, Salah’s goal, and Tarkowski’s stoppage-time equalizer. The red cards after the final whistle. I can simplify the play-by-play, focusing on the crucial moments and the impact on the scoreline.

The original has several images with captions. I should mention where to place them in the condensed version, perhaps after key events like the goals and the red cards. Since I can’t embed images here, I’ll note the placement.

I should also check the word count. The original is about 1000+ words. Cutting it down to 650 means removing about a third. Let me go paragraph by paragraph:

  1. First paragraph: Keep the fans at Dixie Dean’s statue and the camera crew at Blue Dragon. Mention the significance of the last derby.

  2. Second paragraph: The Winslow Hotel and songs about Liverpool fans. Maybe mention the pub briefly.

  3. St. Luke’s church and Heritage Society, the ad for turnstiles can be condensed.

  4. The Brian Labone quote – important for the rivalry context.

  5. Pre-match atmosphere and songs – keep the key elements like "It’s a grand old team" and Z-Cars theme.

  6. Beto’s early goal and Mac Allister’s quick equalizer.

  7. Ndiaye’s injury and the missed chances by Doucoure.

  8. Salah’s goal and Liverpool’s apparent win.

  9. Tarkowski’s late equalizer and VAR check.

  10. Post-match red cards and chaos, preserving Goodison’s honor.

I’ll need to trim each section, merge some paragraphs, and remove less critical details. For example, the part about Pickford spilling the shot and Tarkowski’s block can be shortened. The specific substitution times and some player reactions can be simplified.

Now, integrating images. After key moments like Beto’s goal, Mac Allister’s equalizer, Salah’s goal, Tarkowski’s equalizer, and the red cards. I’ll note where images would go but use text captions as placeholders.

Also, ensure that the match facts are condensed or removed if necessary, though the original has a factbox which might be kept as a bullet point list if space allows.

Check for repetitive information. The article mentions "last Merseyside derby at Goodison" several times, so consolidate that. Make sure the flow maintains the emotional build-up to the final whistle and the significance of the result.

Let me draft the condensed version, ensuring each paragraph is concise, keeping the key highlights, the atmosphere, the game’s pivotal moments, and the dramatic conclusion. Aim for clear, straightforward sentences without losing the vivid descriptions that set the scene.
Farewell to Goodison: Everton and Liverpool Share Chaos in Historic Final Derby
(Word count: ~650)

[Image: Fans gather at Dixie Dean’s statue, wreaths at its base. Caption: Everton supporters pay tribute before the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.]

Hours before kickoff, Everton fans paused at the statue of Dixie Dean, their club’s legendary striker, to honor a young supporter who had recently passed away. Blue flares lit the streets, while chants mocking Liverpool echoed outside the Winslow Hotel, a beloved pub dubbed “The People’s Pub.” Inside St. Luke’s Church, the Everton Heritage Society showcased relics from the club’s 132-year history at Goodison Park—a ground set to

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