Everton’s cheeky match programme cover NEARLY backfires before Tarkowski saves Goodison from nightmare derby farewell

EVERTON’S cheeky matchday programme cover NEARLY backfired in heartbreaking style in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

The Toffees hosted their cross-city rivals at Goodison for the last ever time tonight.

Everton fans were full of excitement ahead of kick-off, with many grabbing a programme as a souvenir.

And they would have been treated to a cover featuring Toffees fan favourite Mikel Arteta.

The picture is from Everton’s 2-0 derby day win over Liverpool back in 2010, in which the Spaniard netted the second goal.

And many fans believe that the club were having a dig at Liverpool by putting Arteta on the cover.

This is down to him being the current manager of the Reds’ title rivals Arsenal, who all Toffees will be backing in the race for Premier League glory.

Many reacted to the programme cover on social media.

One posted: “Everton know what they’re doing with this programme cover.”

A second wrote: “Everton actually put Mikel on the cover of their programme hahaha.”

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A third commented: “Everton have put Arteta on the match programme. Holy cringe.”

A fourth ddn;t seem too impressed and said: “That match programme Everton has done is absolutely embarrassing.”

Another added: “Classic hahaha.”

However, the joke almost backfired as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead after Beto’s opener for the hosts.

It looked certain that the Reds would leave the historic ground with bragging rights for the last time.

That was until the 98th minute when James Tarkowski netted a wonderful strike to earn Everton a draw.

The defender’s goal saw celebrations erupt from the home end as fans charged on to the pitch to join the players.

It was not the only bit of banter between the clubs.

Liverpool fans held up a sign that poked fun at Everton’s stadium move.

The sign read: “At least an empty cabinet is easier to move” in a jibe at the lack of recent success of their neighbours.

The clash did descend into chaos at the full-time as Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure were sent off, along with Reds manager Arne Slot.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk