Newly promoted Hull City still unbeaten and unscored-on after three Premier League games
Promoted side Hull City have opened the Premier League season with seven points from three matches without conceding a goal, following wins over Manchester United and Coventry City with a scoreless draw against Aston Villa.
Hull City, managed by Sergej Jakirović, have started their return to the English Premier League with seven points from three matches and have yet to concede a single goal. After beating Manchester United and Coventry City, the club drew 0:0 at home on Saturday against reigning UEFA Europa League champions Aston Villa of Birmingham.
According to Premier League records, no promoted club that has collected at least seven points from its opening three matches has ever been relegated by the end of that season. Of 78 teams to reach that mark historically, only three — roughly 4% — went down.
A rapid turnaround
Less than two years ago, Hull City avoided relegation to League One only on goal difference. That changed after Jakirović's arrival: despite operating under a transfer embargo, he led the club to the Championship play-offs last season, beating Millwall before a late Oli McBurnie goal sealed promotion in the final against Middlesbrough. This summer the club spent roughly £150 million to sign 18 new players.
Defence built on limited possession
Hull's defensive record stands out — no side has conceded in the first three matches. Only Charlton Athletic (1998-99) and Huddersfield Town (2017-18) previously achieved that feat as newly promoted Premier League clubs. Defender John Egan credited the squad's collective commitment to defending for one another.
At the same time, Hull have averaged just 29% possession, the lowest figure in the league this season. The only team with a lower share after three matches since 2003-04 was West Ham United, who opened 2023-24 with 27% possession.
After the Villa draw, Jakirović joked about the possibility of a Champions League push, but stressed the club's real target is more modest — around 38 to 40 points to secure Premier League survival as soon as possible.
