Sam Kerr was in scintillating form during the midweek action, bagging two goals and narrowly missing out on a hat-trick as Chelsea steamrolled Liverpool 9–1 to secure a spot in the League Cup semi-finals. The Blues set the tempo from the outset and never relented, leaving Liverpool chasing shadows. Kerr’s job was done by the second half, when she was substituted, while Ellie Carpenter was given a well-earned rest.
Elsewhere in England, Manchester City turned on the style in a comfortable 5–1 victory over West Ham, with goals spread across five different players. Mary Fowler remains sidelined for City but is closing in on a return in the new year, while Katrina Gorry was unavailable for West Ham.
Manchester United once again showed their fighting spirit, coming from behind to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 2–1. Drew Spence opened the scoring for Spurs, but United asserted their control after the break, with Jess Park and Fridolina Rolfö finding the net. Clare Hunt completed the full match for Tottenham, while Charli Grant continues her recovery from a knee injury.
Arsenal also enjoyed a solid outing, easing past Crystal Palace 2–0. Kyra Cooney-Cross was among the key contributors, registering an assist in a rotated Gunners side. Goals either side of half-time sealed the win, with Cooney-Cross and Caitlin Foord both starting and Steph Catley introduced in the second half.
In Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt headed into the winter break on a high, defeating SGS Essen 4–1, with Nicole Anyomi scoring twice. Hayley Raso featured off the bench in the second half. Hoffenheim were just as convincing, cruising to a 5–1 win over Carl Zeiss Jena to sit just one point outside the European qualification places. Jamilla Rankin started in a back three before being substituted late.
France continued to be a fortress for Lyon, who extended their flawless league campaign with a 3–0 victory over Fleury. Teagan Micah started in goal and kept a clean sheet as Lyon made it 11 wins from 11 before the winter break.
In the United States, Morgan Aquino also delivered a shutout, although DC Power had to settle for a goalless draw against Carolina Ascent. The result sees DC sitting eighth in the USL standings at the break, but still well within striking distance in a tightly contested league.
All told, it was another strong week for the Matildas abroad, led by Kerr’s ruthless finishing and backed up by consistent performances across Europe and the United States.
