Kaneryd's hattrick, Rolfö's deja vu. What did the League Cup quarter-finals bring?

Manchester United - Tottenham (2:1)

A match that underlined United’s shrewd summer recruitment. Tottenham opened the scoring in the 16th minute through a Drew Spence strike, and for a long time it looked as though the match might follow a similar script to last week’s league encounter, when Spurs had led 3–0 at one stage. United, however, emerged reinvigorated after the half-time break and, thanks to their summer signings, managed to turn the game in their favor.

Fridolina Rolfö first set up the equalizer for Jess Park before scoring herself to make it 2–1, a decisive goal that sent United through to the semi-finals. The only concern for the Red Devils was an injury to Ella Toone, who was forced off in the 62nd minute with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Crystal Palace - Arsenal (0:2)

Leah Williamson returned to the starting line-up for the first time since her injury—and marked the occasion with both a victory and the captain’s armband. The England star made her first start since the Euro final as Arsenal opened the scoring against second-tier Crystal Palace in the 20th minute, when Kyra Cooney-Cross delivered a corner that Laia Codina headed home.

Despite creating several chances, the Gunners were unable to extend their lead for much of the match, and the Eagles even came close to equalizing on a few occasions, though goalkeeper Borbe remained composed. The decisive second goal finally arrived in stoppage time through in-form Stina Blackstenius, who has enjoyed a prolific season and currently leads the club’s scoring charts. Arsenal thus brought 2025 to a close with a goal from their No. 25 and will face Manchester United in the semi-finals.

Liverpool - Chelsea (1:9)

Chelsea put on a demolition job, crushing Liverpool 9–1. For Swedish sharpshooter Johanna Rytting Kaneryd, it marked her first hattrick in blue. Sam Kerr was also close to a hattrick, scoring twice in the opening 20 minutes, as was Dutch rising star Wieke Kaptein.

Nineteen-year-old academy graduate Lexi Potter also made her first start. While she did not register a goal or an assist, she completed the full 90 minutes in an impressive outing. Unfortunately, this match was also not without injury concerns. Rising star Aggie Beever-Jones was forced off before the start of the second half and replaced by Lauren James, although she had already managed to get on the scoresheet.

West Ham - Manchester City (1:5)

Even without Vivianne Miedema, who did not feature in the match, the WSL leaders managed to overcome a struggling West Ham side playing their first game since the dismissal of their head coach Rehanne Skinner. The change, however, brought no immediate effect, as the Citizens ran out 5–1 winners.

Once again, league top scorer Bunny Shaw found the net, with Lauren Hemp adding goal and an assist and summer signing Grace Clinton also getting on the scoresheet. In the semi-finals, City will face Chelsea—a particularly intriguing matchup given that City currently top the league table, holding a six-point lead over their London rivals.