Before kick-off, the sounds of tribalism emerged from Everton strongholds The Blue House and The Winslow Hotel – standing directly opposite the Main Stand on Goodison Road, with its Howard Kendall Bar.
These are the places so many Everton supporters will miss. Not as much as Goodison Park itself but the time-honoured rituals that take place after weaving their way through the terraced houses that landlock the stadium in Winslow Street, Eton Street, Neston Street and Andrew Street.
Little did they realise what this emotionally-charged night held in store for them as Everton, rejuvenated under Moyes, stood toe-to-toe with Liverpool, fighting to the end to ensure the final tally of 120 derbies at Goodison Park ended with 41 wins a piece.
Blue smoke and the smell of cordite filled the air as Everton’s team coach arrived, the area around the players entrance packed with supporters.
It was spine-tingling as the newer Everton tradition of an air-raid siren blared before Z-Cars, the soundtrack to the start of every Goodison Park game, rang out.
The Gwladys Street End, the heartbeat of Everton’s support, was covered in flags before kick-off, including banners reading “We Built This City – 1878”, “Our Motto Is Our Standard Nil Satis Nisi Optimum” and one dedicated to Goodison with a Beatles twist declaring “There Are Places I’ll Remember 1892-2025”.
It was poignant, as Everton now have only six games left at the place they have long called home.
The reborn Beto gave Everton the lead after 11 minutes, but a sometimes unsettled and off-colour Liverpool looked to have secured the three points through Alex Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah, before the drama of Tarkowski’s equaliser in the closing seconds.
And the ugly brawl that followed.
The strains of Elton John’s I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues rang around an exultant Goodison Park after the final whistle.
And there, back on familiar ground in the Goodison Park technical area, was Moyes – prowling in familiar fashion as his Everton fought, showing his desire still burns as he celebrated joyously and drove his team on.
Moyes is also remembered on Goodison Park’s exterior, football’s cyclical nature illustrated by his image on The Everton Timeline that snakes its way around the stadium, commemorating moments of significance in the club’s history.
Opposite The Blue Dragon fish bar and The Goodison Cafe – all part of the sights, sounds and smells of Goodison Park – is the large photograph of a 38-year-old, red-headed David Moyes holding up an Everton scarf after his appointment as manager in March 2002.
The hair is now white as Moyes, 23 years on and soaked in a lifetime of managerial experience, is back in charge of Everton for his 26th Merseyside derby. He did not want to leave Goodison Park on a losing note against Liverpool, Everton deserving their share of the points.
“I think it was hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium as best as they can,” he said. “I just feel the support in here was unbelievable, it was incredible support and I think it was fitting they got an end like they did.”
This night belonged mostly to Everton, who fought with character and steel to get a draw, with Liverpool frustrated even though they still lead the Premier League by seven points.
Most of all, this night belonged to Goodison Park.
