Newly promoted Hull City have made an impressive start to life back in the Premier League, taking seven points from their opening three matches.

Hull began with a win over Manchester United, defeated fellow promoted side Coventry City and then drew 0-0 with Aston Villa. The results leave them two points behind early leaders Manchester City, according to the supplied material.

Manager Sergej Jakirovic acknowledged that it is too early to make predictions about the season, despite joking that Hull might be expected to challenge for a Champions League place. Defender John Egan said the opening win had given the squad confidence.

Strong defensive record

Hull have kept clean sheets in all three league matches. Their defensive unit of Egan, Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy has yet to concede, while the team has also been comfortable playing without possession.

Hull have had 29% possession across their opening three games, the lowest figure in the league, according to the source material. Since 2003-04, only West Ham in 2023-24 have recorded a lower average over their first three matches.

The start also compares favourably with the historical record of promoted teams. No newly promoted side has been relegated after collecting seven or more points from its first three Premier League games. However, three teams overall have been relegated after making the same start: Wolves in 2011-12, West Brom in 2017-18 and Leeds United in 2022-23.

Aiming for 38 to 40 points

Jakirovic guided Hull to promotion last season after joining the club during a period when it was under a transfer embargo. The club then made 18 summer signings for about £150m, including midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Everton for £22m.

Jakirovic said Hull's target is to collect around 38 to 40 points as soon as possible. After the draw with Aston Villa, he described the result as a strong one and urged the team to move on.

Three games are not enough to settle the relegation debate, but Hull's points total, defensive record and early results have given them a solid platform as they attempt to preserve their top-flight status.