Coventry, Ipswich and Hull have collected 31 points after nine games - the 13th-highest tally by promoted sides in Premier League history
After nine matches, Coventry City, Ipswich Town and Hull City have amassed 31 points combined, the 13th-highest tally by promoted sides at this stage in Premier League history. Coventry's 3-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday lifted them to 15th, while Ipswich and Hull both sit on 11 points.
- Combined points: 31 after nine games, 13th-highest by promoted sides in Premier League history.
- Coventry: 15th in the table with nine points after a 3-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday.
- Ipswich and Hull: Both on 11 points after nine matches.
- Relegation omen: Since 2010-11, all 18 promoted teams with at least 11 points from their opening nine games have avoided relegation.
- Next for Hull: Arsenal and Brighton, with the Tigers having taken just three points from their last four matches.
The numbers
- 31 - combined points collected by Coventry, Ipswich and Hull after nine games.
- 13th - highest tally by promoted sides at this stage in Premier League history.
- 11 - points each for Ipswich and Hull.
- 9 - points for Coventry after three wins.
- 18 - promoted teams since 2010-11 who have collected at least 11 points from their opening nine games and avoided relegation (all 18).
- £140m+ - Coventry's summer spending on 12 permanent signings.
What was said
"We always had that belief. We have a really good squad here, where the morale is good and we get behind each other, which is what we will continue to do all season."
"We know it's not going to be an easy ride, there's going to be ups and downs - but hopefully more ups than downs. Starting today with another three points, so we can build on that now."
"It's tough to be in control and find yourselves 2-1 down with the place bouncing. Our lads have some character and we just need to keep it up. Hull are a very good side and I'm really pleased with how we did against them."
Rudoni's insistence that Coventry "always had that belief" reflects a squad that has weathered a brutal start. The midfielder's words underline the morale Lampard has fostered despite a 5-0 hammering at Brighton in August.
O'Neil's praise of his side's "character" after coming from behind for the second consecutive Premier League match highlights Ipswich's resilience. The Tractor Boys have responded to adversity, and their manager's satisfaction with the draw against Hull suggests a growing self-assurance.
Coventry's summer outlay and Lampard's slow start
Coventry spent more than £140m on 12 permanent signings as they prepared for life in the Premier League. The arrivals included Caleb Yirenkyi for a club-record fee, Carl Rushworth from Brighton and Sidiki Cherif from Fenerbahce. Lampard also added Premier League experience in Loum Tchaouna from Burnley and Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest.
After such upheaval, it took Lampard five weeks to find his winning touch. A 5-0 defeat at Brighton in August was a harsh introduction, but hindsight has been kind: three of Coventry's first four Premier League matches were against the current top three - Arsenal, Manchester City and Brighton.
Since that humbling on the south coast almost six weeks ago, Coventry have won three of their next five matches. Back-to-back victories over Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United in September were followed by Saturday's 3-1 win over Sunderland. The Sky Blues now sit 15th with nine points.
Ipswich's renewed fight
Ipswich secured their return to the Premier League in May, ending a 22-year absence. Their previous promotion in 2024 exposed how ill-equipped they were to compete at that level, but after significant summer investment, the Tractor Boys look set to put up more of a fight this time.
The Championship runners-up's summer business was headlined by the return of Julio Enciso, who spent part of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Portman Road. The Paraguay international has been instrumental, assisting their opening goal against Sunderland before setting up another against Manchester United at Old Trafford the following week. More recently, the 22-year-old has scored in consecutive matches against Nottingham Forest and Hull City, helping his side secure vital points.
After Saturday's 2-2 draw with Hull, O'Neil praised his side's character after they fought from behind for the second Premier League match in a row.
Hull's dream start and recent dip
Hull City made waves immediately. In their first top-flight match since relegation in 2017, the Tigers stunned Manchester United with a 2-0 victory on the opening weekend. Although much of the attention centred on what the result meant for United manager Michael Carrick, Hull were quickly emerging as one of the season's feel-good stories.
Having earned promotion through the Championship play-offs, Sergej Jakirovic's side were flying the flag for the promoted clubs early on. After their opening-day triumph, they followed up with a 1-0 win at Coventry and earned respectable draws against Aston Villa and Chelsea. But since suffering their first defeat of the season, the Tigers have collected just three points from their four matches since.
With Arsenal and Brighton up next, Hull will know their impressive start could count for little if they fail to add to their points tally soon.
Why the promoted trio are outperforming expectations
The combined 31 points from nine games is the 13th-highest tally by promoted sides at this stage in Premier League history. Hull and Ipswich account for 22 of those points, with both sitting on 11. Coventry are slightly behind, but their three victories have earned them a respectable nine points.
There is further encouragement: since the 2010-11 season, all 18 promoted teams who have collected at least 11 points from their opening nine games have avoided relegation. That statistic offers a psychological boost to Ipswich and Hull, while Coventry will aim to join them in reaching that threshold soon.
Coventry's heavy investment and Lampard's tactical adjustments have been key. The signings of Yirenkyi, Rushworth, Cherif, Tchaouna and Awoniyi have added quality and depth. After a difficult start against the league's elite, the Sky Blues have found their rhythm.
Ipswich's resurgence has been powered by Enciso's creativity and O'Neil's ability to instil resilience. The Tractor Boys have shown they can compete, and their points tally reflects a side growing in confidence.
Hull's early results, including the win over Manchester United and the draw at Chelsea, demonstrated their potential. However, their recent dip highlights the challenge of maintaining momentum in the Premier League. The upcoming fixtures against Arsenal and Brighton will test their squad depth and character.
Talking points
- All 18 promoted teams since 2010-11 with 11+ points after nine games have survived. Ipswich and Hull are already there; Coventry need two more points to join them.
- Coventry's £140m outlay on 12 players was essential to compete, but Lampard's slow start raises questions about how quickly new signings can gel.
- Hull's 2-0 win over Manchester United on the opening weekend was a stunning result, but their recent form of three points from four games shows the difficulty of sustaining a strong start.
- Ipswich's Julio Enciso has been instrumental, with assists and goals in key moments. His performances could be the difference between survival and relegation.
What happens next
Hull face Arsenal and Brighton in their next two fixtures. With just three points from their last four matches, they need to add to their tally quickly to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle. Coventry, buoyed by their win over Sunderland, will look to build momentum in their upcoming matches. Ipswich, with 11 points already, will aim to maintain their unbeaten run and secure their Premier League status.
Frequently asked questions
How many points have Coventry, Ipswich and Hull collected combined after nine games?
The three promoted sides have collected 31 points combined, the 13th-highest tally by promoted teams at this stage in Premier League history.
What was the score in Coventry's win over Sunderland?
Coventry beat Sunderland 3-1 on Saturday, lifting them to 15th in the table.
Which promoted teams have avoided relegation after collecting at least 11 points from their first nine games?
Since the 2010-11 season, all 18 promoted teams who have collected at least 11 points from their opening nine games have avoided relegation.
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