Seven points from three games: Are Hull on track to avoid relegation?

“Maybe expect to fight for a Champions League place?” Sergej Jakirovic joked when asked about Hull City’s remarkable return to the Premier League. The coach quickly added that three games were too early for such predictions, but seven points from nine have given Hull supporters reason to dream.

Hull followed an opening-day victory over Manchester United by beating fellow promoted side Coventry City and drawing 0-0 with Aston Villa. They have kept three clean sheets and trail early leaders Manchester City by only two points. History also offers encouragement: no newly promoted team has been relegated after collecting at least seven points from its first three Premier League matches.

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Maybe expect to fight for a Champions League place?

That record does not settle a relegation battle, but it gives Hull an ideal starting point. The transformation is striking because the club avoided relegation to League One on goal difference as recently as last year. Jakirovic arrived while Hull faced a transfer embargo that limited the club to free transfers and loans, yet he still guided them into promotion contention.

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It's huge for our confidence coming up into the Premier League.

Hull then beat Millwall in the play-offs before Oli McBurnie scored a late winner against Middlesbrough to secure top-flight football. The club remained active in the summer, making 18 signings for about £150 million. Six arrived on deadline day, including Everton midfielder Tim Iroegbunam for £22 million.

Jakirovic said he knew the core of his team consisted of Championship players and that the new arrivals added quality. He also acknowledged that some signings had missed pre-season and said Hull would use the Carabao Cup match against Sunderland to give them playing time. For now, the manager’s stated target remains collecting 38 to 40 points.

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Our goal is to collect 38-40 points.