The Women’s League Cup semi-final line-up has been confirmed following a dramatic round of quarter-final fixtures, marked by dominant performances and late drama. Holders Chelsea and Manchester City both delivered commanding away wins, while Manchester United and Arsenal secured hard-fought victories to keep their cup hopes alive. With the competition now pausing until January, attention turns to a last-four stage featuring some of the strongest sides only from the Women’s Super League. Read our Women’s League Cup Recap here.
Liverpool 1-9 Chelsea
Chelsea powered into the Women’s League Cup semi-finals with a ruthless 9–1 victory over Liverpool at the BrewDog Stadium in St Helens.
The holders were in complete control from the outset, racing into a two-goal lead inside 17 minutes through Sam Kerr. Wieke Kaptein and Aggie Beever-Jones added further goals before half-time to put the tie beyond doubt.
Chelsea showed no sign of slowing after the break. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scored a stunning curling effort before adding two more to complete a hat-trick. Although Liverpool briefly pulled one back through Jenna Clark, the response was immediate as Sjoeke Nüsken and captain Millie Bright also found the net to round off a dominant display.
The emphatic win sets up a semi-final clash with Manchester City, scheduled for 21/22 January 2026. Chelsea will now head into the winter break before returning to action against West Ham United on 11 January.
West Ham United 1-5 Manchester City
Manchester City booked their place in the Women’s League Cup semi-finals with a commanding 5–1 victory over West Ham United at the Chigwell Construction Stadium.
City made a blistering start, scoring twice inside the opening eight minutes. Kerolin opened the scoring by reacting quickest to a rebound from Khadija “Bunny” Shaw’s effort, before Lauren Hemp doubled the lead after being played in by Grace Clinton. West Ham responded through Riko Ueki, who cut inside and fired home to briefly reduce the deficit.
City regained control just before the break when Clinton unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the area to restore a two-goal cushion. The visitors continued to dominate in the second half, with Shaw heading in from a set-piece before substitute Laura Coombs added a fifth late on.
The win extended City’s unbeaten run to 14 matches in all competitions and sets up a semi-final clash with Chelsea.
Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs took the lead in the first half when Drew Spence fired a superb volley into the top corner after United failed to clear a set-piece. Despite pressing for much of the opening period, the hosts went into the break trailing.
United emerged with renewed intensity after half-time and were quickly rewarded. Jess Park equalised early in the second half, arriving in the box to convert a cross from Fridolina Rolfö following a strong move down the left. The Reds continued to push for a winner, creating several chances as Tottenham were forced deeper.
The decisive moment came late on when Rolfö capped a standout performance by firing home from close range after good work from substitute Melvine Malard. United saw out the closing stages to book a semi-final meeting with Arsenal when the competition resumes in January.
Crystal Palace 0-2 Arsenal
Arsenal booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2–0 victory away at Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Laia Codina opened the scoring in the first half, heading home from a corner after sustained pressure from the visitors. Crystal Palace came close to an immediate response, with Abbie Larkin striking the post and later testing goalkeeper Manuela Zinsberger as the hosts threatened on the counter.
Arsenal continued to control possession after the break but were made to wait for a second goal. Palace pushed forward in search of an equaliser, creating several half-chances, before the tie was finally settled deep into stoppage time. Substitute Beth Mead rounded the goalkeeper and selflessly squared the ball for Stina Blackstenius to finish from close range.
The win sends Arsenal into the last four, where they will host the winner of Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur in the week commencing January 20.
Women’s League Cup Recap
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