Chelsea delivered a stunning performance in the Women’s League Cup, thrashing Liverpool 9-1 to secure a place in the semi-finals. The reigning holders showcased their attacking firepower, while Manchester City, last season’s beaten finalists, also progressed with an emphatic win.

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Chelsea’s Goal Blitz Against Liverpool

Chelsea wasted no time asserting their dominance. Sam Kerr opened the scoring with two early goals, setting the tone for a record-breaking display. Johanna Rytting Kaneryd added a sensational hat-trick, while Wieke Kaptein netted twice. Sjoeke Nusken and Millie Bright also found the back of the net, completing a nine-goal rout.

Liverpool managed a solitary consolation goal through Jenna Clark, but the defeat highlighted the struggles of the Merseyside side, who remain at the bottom of the Women’s Super League (WSL) with no wins in their last four games across all competitions.

Chelsea will now face Manchester City away in the semi-finals after City convincingly defeated West Ham 5-1 on Sunday.

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Manchester City Edge West Ham to Set Up Chelsea Clash

Manchester City made a fast start against West Ham, with Kerolin and Lauren Hemp putting the visitors 2-0 up inside the opening 10 minutes. West Ham briefly threatened when Riko Ueki struck in the 26th minute, but City quickly regained control. Additional goals from Grace Clinton, Khadija Shaw, and Laura Coombs secured a comfortable 5-1 victory, confirming City as Chelsea’s semi-final opponents.

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Arsenal and Manchester United Complete Semi-Final Line-Up

Arsenal and Manchester United also booked their places in the semi-finals. Arsenal overcame Crystal Palace 2-0, with Laia Codina opening the scoring after 20 minutes. Stina Blackstenius sealed the victory in second-half stoppage time. Crystal Palace, the only WSL 2 side remaining, played in front of a record crowd of 3,040 at the VBS Community Stadium, showcasing the growing popularity of women’s football.

Meanwhile, Manchester United edged past Tottenham 2-1. Spurs initially took the lead through Drew Spence, but second-half goals from Jess Park and Fridolina Rolfo secured the win for United under manager Marc Skinner.

The semi-final fixtures are now confirmed:

• Chelsea vs Manchester City
• Arsenal vs Manchester United

The semi-finals will be played over 21 and 22 January 2026, promising high-stakes encounters between England’s top women’s football clubs.

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Key Takeaways from the Women’s League Cup Quarter-Finals

• Chelsea 9-1 Liverpool: Sam Kerr (2), Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (3), Wieke Kaptein (2), Sjoeke Nusken, Millie Bright
• Manchester City 5-1 West Ham: Kerolin, Lauren Hemp, Grace Clinton, Khadija Shaw, Laura Coombs; Riko Ueki (West Ham)
• Arsenal 2-0 Crystal Palace: Laia Codina, Stina Blackstenius
• Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham: Jess Park, Fridolina Rolfo; Drew Spence (Tottenham)

Chelsea and Manchester City will clash in a highly anticipated semi-final, while Arsenal host Manchester United in another exciting tie. Fans can expect high-octane football as the Women’s League Cup 2026 heads into the final stages.