The summer signing from Brighton scored a quickfire double to fire Marc Skinner's side to a third-straight win of the new campaign
Elisabeth Terland opened her Manchester United goal-scoring account with a quickfire double as the Red Devils beat Tottenham 3-0 on Sunday to maintain their perfect start to the Women's Super League season.
Spurs made a ferocious start as their high-press caught the home side unawares, with goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce having to make two excellent stops early on. United were, in fact, second-best for much of the first half, but grabbed a stunning opener through Terland's volleyed strike in the 44th minute.
The Red Devils, who thumped Tottenham 4-0 in May at Wembley to win last season's FA Cup, then doubled their lead in first-half stoppage-time as ex-Brighton ace Terland once again finished off Celin Bizet's cross into the box.
The result was put beyond doubt when fellow former Seagull, Maya Le Tissier, converted from the spot in the 59th minute after Ashleigh Neville handled in the box, meaning Marc Skinner's team have won each of their three league games to start the campaign, leaving them level on points with defending champions Chelsea.
GOAL rates United's players from Leigh Sports Village…
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Phallon Tullis-Joyce (9/10):
Spread herself really well to deny Thomas early on and then made a great fingertip save to keep out Spence's long-range effort. She seems a first-rate successor to Earps.
Celin Bizet (8/10):
Provided two sumptuous assists for team-mate Terland, but sometimes struggled with the attacking runs of Thomas and England in the first half. Improved in that regard in the second period.
Maya Le Tissier (8/10):
Made some important tackles at the back but her passing sometimes got her team into a spot of bother. Took her penalty with aplomb, though.
Millie Turner (8/10):
Pulled off some key interceptions in defence and largely kept the roaming Naz and England in check.
Gabby George (8/10):
Most of Tottenham's threat came down the left, but when she was called upon, she was neat and tidy at the back and linked up with her team's attack well.
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Dominique Janssen (8/10):
Showed her energy and leadership in the centre of the park. Manager Skinner talked up her qualities pre-match, and he was right to do so.
Lisa Naalsund (8/10):
Worked hard off the ball and did well to snuff out some driving bursts from the dangerous Naz. Helped her team gain the upper hand in midfield as the match wore on.
Ella Toone (7/10):
Had a quieter game than United fans have come to expect from the England international, but her work off the ball was impressive.
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Grace Clinton (8/10):
At times, the England international was an unstoppable driving force with the ball at her feet; skipping past defenders at will. On another day, could have had a couple of goals.
Elisabeth Terland (9/10):
Showed just how clinical she can be in front of goal with a terrific volley and then a well-directed header late in the first half. Came agonisingly close to a hat-trick, only for goalkeeper Spencer to push her shot onto the post.
Leah Galton (7/10):
Was the quietest of United's frontline, but put in a shift for her side and popped up with some good defensive headers as well.
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Rachel Williams (7/10):
Nearly scored again off the bench, but Spencer did well to beat away her shot.
Hinata Miyazawa (7/10):
Showed some nice touches when introduced into the action late on.
Simi Awujo (7/10):
Looked lively when she came on and was very comfortable on the ball.
Aoife Mannion (N/A):
Had no time to make an impact.
Marc Skinner (8/10):
His side struggled in the first 30 minutes as Tottenham's press caused them all sorts of problems. But Terland's goal changed everything as Skinner's team grew in confidence and then managed to outmanoeuvre the away side. United have now scored seven and conceded none in the league – an impressive start.