The Women’s League Cup has quickly become one of the most competitive tournaments in the domestic calendar. Since its launch in 2011, the trophy has mostly been dominated by Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea — with the Blues winning the last three editions. The format adds extra intrigue: group-stage games that finish level go straight to penalties, with the shootout winners awarded a bonus point. It means every goal, every save, and every shootout can reshape the table.
This week’s round of fixtures delivered it all — tributes, comebacks, and shootout heroes. Here’s how the action unfolded:
Liverpool 5–0 Sunderland
Liverpool paid tribute to the late Matt Beard in emphatic fashion, dismantling Sunderland with a five-star performance at St Helens. Goals from Gemma Evans, Jenna Clark, Risa Shimizu and a brace from Sophie Román Haug capped an emotional night, with banners in the crowd reminding everyone that “Liverpool was made for Matt, and Matt was made for Liverpool.”
Tottenham 1–1 Aston Villa (Spurs win 7–6 on pens)
Drama at Brisbane Road as Spurs claimed two points from a penalty shootout victory over Aston Villa. The game ended level after 90 minutes, before goalkeeper Lize Kop turned hero in sudden death, saving to clinch a 7–6 shootout win.
West Ham 5–1 Charlton
Debutants stole the headlines as West Ham thrashed Charlton 5–1 in Group C. Ffion Morgan, Manuela Paví, and Leila Wandeler all scored on their first starts, with Sarah Brasero and Shekiera Martinez adding late goals to round off a commanding display.
Everton 1–3 Manchester City
Manchester City maintained their momentum with a 3–1 win away to Everton. Jade Rose netted her first goal for the club, Yui Hasegawa doubled the lead, and Vivianne Miedema struck to seal it. Hikaru Kitagawa’s curling strike for Everton was a mere consolation.
Nottingham Forest 2–1 Newcastle
A frantic first half saw Forest hit back to claim victory. Beth Lumsden put Newcastle ahead, but Aimee Claypole levelled moments later before Kirsty Smith grabbed the winner. The three goals arrived inside just eight minutes, with Forest hanging on for a big Group B win.
Birmingham 2–2 Bristol City (Birmingham win 4–3 on pens)
Birmingham raced into a two-goal lead through Lucy Quinn and Riya Mannu, but Bristol City fought back through Lexi Lloyd-Smith and Olivia Johnson. The draw sent it to penalties, where Birmingham held their nerve to win 4–3 in the shootout and snatch the extra point.
Durham 1–1 Sheffield United (Sheffield win 3–1 on pens)
An own goal cancelled out Joy Ralph’s opener for Sheffield United, sending the game to a shootout. Newly signed goalkeeper Katie Keane, drafted in on the very day of the game, made two decisive saves to earn United the bonus point with a 3–1 penalty victory.
Crystal Palace 1–2 London City Lionesses
Ashleigh Weerden’s wonder strike gave Palace an early lead, but London City roared back in the second half. Sanni Franssi equalised before Nikita Parris slotted home the winner. Palace thought they had levelled late, only for their goal to be ruled out.
Portsmouth 0–2 Brighton
Brighton started strong at Westleigh Park, with Carla Camacho scoring inside four minutes and Marisa Olislagers doubling the lead before half-time. Portsmouth pushed after the break but the WSL side saw out a controlled 2–0 win.
Ipswich 1–5 Leicester
Ipswich briefly shocked Leicester as 18-year-old Ruby Seaby opened the scoring, but the WSL side stormed back. Shannon O’Brien equalised before Asmita Ale, Rosella Ayane, Samantha Kaczmar, and Jutta Rantala all struck to secure a comprehensive 5–1 victory.
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