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<div>Abigail Segel is a contributing writer at Defector. She is also an editor for The IX Soccer and the Equalizer. Her work has been published in the Guardian and the Montreal Gazette.</div>
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Abigail Segel

Manchester City players huddle ahead of the Subway Women's League Cup Semi Final match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Joie Stadium on January 21, 2026 in Manchester, England.

Soccer

Manchester City Lost A Battle But Is Winning The War For English Women’s Soccer Supremacy

Billy Haisley

Bryan Mbeumo of Manchester United reacts during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Grimsby Town and Manchester United at Blundell Park on August 27, 2025 in Grimsby, England.

Everyone Wins When Manchester United Loses

Luis Paez-Pumar

Alexander Isak of Newcastle United F.C. celebrate with fans after scoring the second goal during the Carabao Cup Final between Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England.

Newcastle Exposed The Cracks In Liverpool’s Armor

Liverpool players including Caoimhin Kelleher, Kostas Tsimikas, Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool celebrates after winning the Carabao Cup Final match between Chelsea and Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on February 25, 2024 in London, England.

These Pool Boys Became Pool Men

Granit Xhaka of Arsenal leaves the field of play after being sent off during the Carabao Cup Semi Final First Leg match between Liverpool and Arsenal at Anfield on January 13, 2022 in Liverpool, England.

Granit Xhaka, Granit Xhaka, Voyez Rouge?

A general view of the stadium is pictured at the postponement of the English League Cup third round football match between Leyton Orient and Tottenham Hotspur at Brisbane Road stadium in Leyton, east London on September 22, 2020.

League Cup

Manchester City Lost A Battle But Is Winning The War For English Women’s Soccer Supremacy

Everyone Wins When Manchester United Loses

Newcastle Exposed The Cracks In Liverpool’s Armor

These Pool Boys Became Pool Men

Granit Xhaka, Granit Xhaka, Voyez Rouge?

Premier League Clubs Bail Out EFL By Paying For League Cup Opponents’ COVID-19 Tests