Despite missing leading scorer Beth England, Spurs made the brighter start in sun-drenched north London and pinned the visitors back for much of the opening half with Signe Gaupset, Olivia Holdt and Maika Hamano particularly influential.
Gaupset’s 20-yard effort deflected narrowly wide, the first of 22 goal attempts by Tottenham, 17 of which failed to hit the target.
Spurs’ Cathinka Tandberg looped a header over, while Jess Park sliced a volley off target on a rare United foray into the Tottenham half.
Tullis-Joyce did well to punch a couple of corners clear under pressure and held Tandberg’s header just before the break, when Melvine Malard was sent on by Marc Skinner and made an immediate impression as United upped the tempo.
Spurs keeper Lize Kop was called on for the first time after 55 minutes to beat away a Malard effort at her near post, while the substitute nodded wide after Jayde Riviere stood up a cross soon after.
Holdt’s bouncing effort from the edge of the area was shovelled round the upright by Tullis-Joyce, and the same player had another low shot blocked in the goalmouth.
After more than four months out, Toone made her comeback after 63 minutes, but it was Tottenham rather than United who initially raised their level after her introduction.
A free-kick from Matilda Vinberg was miscued by Gaupset with the goal at her mercy before Ella Morris sent the rebound inches wide, while Tullis-Joyce diverted Vinberg’s angled effort past the upright moments later and Drew Spence almost glanced the subsequent corner home.
Kop denied Park and was forced into a sprawling save from Toone’s 25-yard curler as United finished strongly.
However, Spurs substitute Lenna Gunning-Williams spurned a golden chance to win it in added time, shooting tamely at Tullis-Joyce after getting in behind Le Tissier.