Football
23 Jan 2025
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2024/25 Women’s League Cup Quarter-Final Results: Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City, West Ham Shine

The quarter-finals of the 2024/25 Women’s League Cup unfolded this week, delivering thrilling matches and setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the competition. Eight teams competed across four games, including defending champions Arsenal, alongside Chelsea and Manchester City, who joined at this stage due to their Champions League commitments. Here is a detailed breakdown of the results and what lies ahead.

Quarter-Finals Overview

Arsenal Aim to Defend Their Title

Arsenal entered this year’s competition as the reigning champions, having narrowly defeated Chelsea 1-0 in extra time in last year’s final at Molineux. The Gunners remain the most successful team in Women’s League Cup history, boasting seven titles. Manchester City follows with four trophies.

Format and Teams

Five of the eight quarter-final spots were secured through the group stage, which took place earlier in the season. The remaining three positions were reserved for Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City—the clubs participating in the Champions League group stage.

This year’s final will be held on March 15 at Pride Park, home to Derby County Football Club. The venue, with a capacity of over 33,000, marks the first time the competition’s final will take place there.

Let’s delve into the quarter-final results and what’s next for the competing teams.

Quarter-Final Results

Chelsea 5-0 Durham

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Chelsea cruised past Durham at Kingsmeadow / Eddie Keogh/GettyImages

Durham, the lowest-ranked team in the competition, faced an uphill battle against Chelsea at Kingsmeadow. Despite a resilient start that kept the scoreline goalless for 20 minutes, Aggie Beever-Jones broke the deadlock, giving Chelsea the lead.

Oriane Jean-Francois doubled the advantage with a stunning strike just after the hour mark. The floodgates then opened as Chelsea netted three more goals in quick succession. Erin Cuthbert, Guro Reiten, and Maika Hamano each found the back of the net between the 73rd and 75th minutes, ensuring a dominant victory for the Blues.

Manchester United 1-2 Manchester City

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Youngster Lily Murphy scored the winning goal for Manchester City / Jess Hornby/GettyImages

The Manchester derby at Leigh Sports Village provided plenty of drama, though it didn’t quite match the fireworks of the recent WSL clash. Laura Coombs gave Manchester City an early lead with a well-taken goal in the 12th minute.

United responded through Millie Turner, who leveled the score just past the half-hour mark. However, City’s young talent Lily Murphy stepped up to score the decisive goal on the stroke of half-time, securing revenge for City after their weekend defeat to United in the league.

Brighton 0-4 Arsenal

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Frida Maanum opened the scoring for Arsenal against Brighton / Steve Bardens/GettyImages

Arsenal faced Brighton at Broadfield Stadium, where the hosts held their own for much of the game. The deadlock persisted for over an hour before Arsenal’s quality began to shine through.

In a blistering five-minute spell, Frida Maanum, Katie McCabe, and Kyra Cooney-Cross each scored to put Arsenal firmly in control. Mariona Caldentey added a fourth in the dying minutes, ensuring the Gunners’ progress to the semi-finals and keeping their dream of retaining the trophy alive.

Tottenham 1-2 West Ham

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Tottenham and West Ham battled it out at Brisbane Road / Richard Pelham/GettyImages

At Brisbane Road, Tottenham struck first through Martha Thomas, who opened the scoring in the 10th minute. West Ham, however, mounted an impressive comeback before half-time. Seraina Piubel equalized for the visitors, and Kirsty Smith fired them ahead moments later.

A goalless second half followed, and West Ham held on to secure their place in the semi-finals, marking a memorable evening for the Hammers.

What’s Next?

Semi-Finals

The semi-final matchups promise more thrilling action as four top teams battle for a place in the final:

  • Arsenal vs Manchester City – Wednesday, 5 February
  • Chelsea vs West Ham – Wednesday, 5 February

Final

The winners of the two semi-final clashes will meet in the final at Pride Park on Saturday, 15 March. With Arsenal seeking to defend their title and Chelsea, Manchester City, and West Ham all aiming to claim glory, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.

Stay tuned as the Women’s League Cup continues to deliver high-stakes drama and showcase the best of women’s football.

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