Aston Villa have now scored five goals from set-pieces this season – the joint-highest in the WSL with Manchester City.
That figure is more than double their entire total of two from last season, but it should not detract from a more complete performance.
In truth, the margin of victory perhaps should have been greater for Natalia Arroyo’s side, who also drew against Arsenal in September.
“We know that for these types of games probably no one expects us to win, so if we can take something, the point at the Emirates and these three here at United, that allows us to believe and dream bigger,” Arroyo told Sky Sports.
“Hopefully this allows us to have bigger ambition and belief as a club, and we can continue against London City before the break and really grow in the table and think higher.”
From a base of defensive fortitude, Villa could have been reserved against a free-scoring United side.
Instead, as confidence grew, they showed plenty of ambition at the other end of the pitch.
Georgia Mullett should have given them the lead shortly before the half-hour mark when she got on end of Kirsty Hanson cross only to shoot straight at Tullis-Joyce.
Taylor, who has recently switched international allegiance from England to Scotland, scored the decisive goal a few moments later.
The ball fell to her from a weak clearance by Tullis-Joyce but she executed a volley through a crowded box in style.
Villa had chances to increase their lead in the second half before they closed the game out to secure their first win over United in 11 WSL meetings.
With two wins and a draw in their last three WSL matches, Villa’s season feels like it is truly up and running.
