Hull City's Record Start: How Championship Underdogs Are Thriving

Hull City's 8-Point Start Is One of the Best by a Promoted Side in Premier League History

Hull City have taken eight points from their opening four Premier League matches of 2026-27, after a 2-2 draw at Chelsea on Saturday. Only Nottingham Forest (1994-95) and Bolton Wanderers (2001-02), with 10 points, have made better starts among promoted clubs.

Result: Chelsea 2-2 Hull City
Hull scorers: Mohamed Belloumi (2)
Chelsea scorers: Morgan Rogers, João Pedro
Hull points: 8 from 4 matches
Manager: Sergej Jakirovic
Big chances: Hull 4, Chelsea 2

What was said

"Mostly we will be underdogs, but we're used to it."
— Sergej Jakirovic, Hull City manager, ahead of the Matchday 1 win over Manchester United

"I'm a bit concerned about the international break because we have 13 national team players."
— Sergej Jakirovic, speaking after the 2-2 draw at Chelsea

"I told the team at the beginning of the season they'd get a week off if they could manage seven or eight points across their first five matches."
— Sergej Jakirovic, after the draw at Stamford Bridge

Jakirovic's quotes reveal a manager who understands his squad's limitations. He embraces the underdog tag but refuses to let the players believe survival is the only goal. The week-off incentive shows he is a motivator who sets clear, achievable targets.

His concern about the international break is telling. Losing 13 players to national teams before a crucial run of fixtures could disrupt momentum. It is a risk that many promoted clubs overlook.

The numbers

Possession: Hull averaged 45.0% in the Championship (fifth lowest) and have just 29.3% in the Premier League this season.
Expected points: Hull amassed 73 points in the Championship last term, but their xPts was only 53.1. Only Sheffield Wednesday (30.0) recorded fewer.
Overperformance: Hull overperformed their xPts by 19.9 points, the biggest in the Championship.
Deepest team: Hull's average starting position of open-play passing sequences was 41.2m from their own goal-line in the Championship; in the Premier League it is 37.7m, the deepest in the division.
Direct play: They managed just 39 sequences of 10+ passes ending in a shot or box touch in the Championship (sixth fewest) and rank bottom in the Premier League this term (1). They average 2.5 passes per sequence, the fewest in the top flight.
Duels: Hull rank fourth for duel success (53.2%), sixth for aerial duel success (52.3%), joint fifth for tackle attempts (65) and second for long passes (237).
Coventry comparison: Coventry had 55.1% possession in the Championship last season (fourth most) and 38.6% in the Premier League.

Why Hull's Underdog Mentality Is Working

Hull City were written off before a ball was kicked. After promotion via the Championship play-offs, some predicted they would threaten Derby County's record for the lowest points total in Premier League history. Instead, they have beaten Manchester United and Coventry and drawn with Aston Villa and Chelsea.

The key to their success is continuity. Even in the Championship, Hull were not a possession-dominant side. They averaged 45.0% possession, the fifth lowest in the division. This season they have just 29.3%, but the drop is not as dramatic as it seems. They have simply doubled down on their identity.

Jakirovic's men are the deepest team in the Premier League, with an average starting position of 37.7m from their own goal-line for open-play passing sequences. They are also the most direct, averaging just 2.5 passes per sequence and ranking bottom for sequences of 10+ passes ending in a shot or box touch (1). They prioritise not conceding and are sturdy competitors: fourth for duel success (53.2%), sixth for aerial duel success (52.3%), joint fifth for tackle attempts (65) and second for long passes (237).

**Mohamed Belloumi** scored twice at Stamford Bridge, and Hull had four big chances to Chelsea's two. Against a front three of **João Pedro**, **Cole Palmer** and **Morgan Rogers**, few gave them a chance, especially after Rogers put Chelsea ahead early. But Belloumi's strikes turned the game around before João Pedro equalised just after the hour. Hull were good value for the point and could have won it.

Talking points

Hull's direct style is effective but will it hold up against teams that sit deep and frustrate them? They have only faced one low block so far.
Jakirovic's week-off incentive worked, but does it set a precedent? Players may expect rewards for every good run of form.
With 13 internationals away, Hull's squad depth will be tested. A couple of injuries could derail their start.
Hull's xPts in the Championship suggested relegation, yet they are thriving. Is this a case of a team simply being greater than the sum of its parts?

What happens next

Hull City return to action after the international break. Their next fixture is yet to be confirmed, but they will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start. The club's next match will be crucial to their momentum, and Jakirovic will be hoping his 13 international players return fit and ready.