Manchester United secured another three points that sees them stay top of the Women’s Super League following a 3-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Leah Galton punished the slacking visitors’ defence when she intercepted a loose ball and found the bottom-right corner with laser precision, Alessia Russo then doubled the Reds' lead minutes later firing in a volley from Vilde Boe Risa’s corner.
Nikita Parris got her name on the score sheet after capitalising on the second ball which dropped when Galton's looping cross was mishandled by blue shirts. Parris stepped in, took control with her knee then volleyed it into the net.
It wasn’t all one-sided though and Spurs had chances to stay well in the game towards the end of the first half. Calin Bizet Ildhusoy almost found Spurs’ instant reply to Russo's strike when she beat Mary Earps but struck the woodwork and the ball bounced out of danger. Beth England was also through on goal but Maya Le Tissier slid into the firing line to deny the striker.
But it was an excellent display from the home side, full of one-touch link-up play that showcased a side ready to contend for the domestic double.
Player ratings:
Mary Earps - Collected the ball confidently, with lots of communication as per usual. She was beaten on occasion and was saved by Le Tissier, the goalposts and Turner. But she pulled off a superb double save in the second half to keep the clean sheet. 8
Ona Batlle - Provided an early opportunity with a low cross, showed an uncanny ability to steal the ball off toes and blow past players down the flank. Terrifying at times. 8
Hannah Blundell - Found herself on the attacking front down the left flank. She was a threat that was allowed to run into the box almost every time. Provided several crosses. 7
Ella Toone - Got involved in the game early doors with formidable link-up play with Russo and Galton. Great energy all over the attacking half. Plenty of time on the ball determined to do something with it - and convinced rolling the ball behind her will work. 8
Vilde Boe Risa - Was strong in the middle of the park, nudging off blue shirts to turn and play forward, she wasn’t rushed or forced the play but picked out the right pass. Delivered some great set pieces, one even assisted Russo. Went close with a long-range effort. 8
Leah Galton - Always a danger when facing the defender but got bullied with her back to them, and the ref wasn’t taking the bait. Her header kissed the crossbar moments before finding the back of the net to give United the lead. 8
Hayley Ladd © - Takes the armband from a suspended Zelem, really shone and took control in the middle of the park. Won every aerial battle and blocked the channels starving Beth England of the ball. 9
Maya Le Tissier - Played with such confidence when teamed with Turner at the back. Her last-ditch slide stopped England from scoring, fantastically timed. 8
Millie Turner - Didn't have much to deal with in the first half, carried the ball well into the attacking half and picked out important passes. 7
Nikita Parris - Saw a lot of the ball down the right flank, and was unlucky not to find the back of the net early on. Ran into trouble more than she created chances but her speed caused problems for Tottenham - tended to charge down the right and knock the ball off a defender to win the corner. Reacted well to score the third goal. 8
Alessia Russo - Great feet dancing around players, came deep to collect the ball and produced shots on target for fun. Pace was too much for Tottenham’s back line. Fired in an instinctive volley to double United’s lead, fantastic work ethic all game and thoroughly deserved her goal. 9
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