Hull City's Surprising Premier League Start: The Facts Behind the Fairy Tale
Hull City have made a remarkable start to life in the Premier League, earning praise for their attacking intent under head coach Sergej Jakirovic. After five games, the Tigers sit unbeaten at home and have impressed against some of the division's biggest clubs, according to uk.sports.yahoo.com.
- Opening day: Hull City beat Manchester United in their first Premier League game of the season.
- Recent results: A 2-2 draw at Chelsea and a 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United.
- Head coach: Sergej Jakirovic.
- Owner: Acun Ilıcalı.
- Next break: The first international break of the season, combining September and October fixtures.
- Source: uk.sports.yahoo.com, 23 September 2026.
What was said
"Five games in, and Hull City are becoming the darlings of the Premier League. The team everybody wants to see succeed because of how positive they've been, how open their owner has been, and how charming, charismatic and bloody good their head coach is."
The numbers
Hull City have shown remarkable attacking ambition in their opening fixtures. At Chelsea, they registered 14 attempts on goal. At Newcastle United, they recorded 21 attempts. Despite those impressive shot counts, the article notes that the one criticism is that they have not been more clinical with those chances.
The Tigers' unbeaten start generated significant confidence and momentum before the trip to St James' Park. Newcastle's 4-1 thumping at Leeds United last Monday probably raised expectations a little further, but City's disastrous first seven minutes on Tyneside, which saw them 2-0 down, proved too hard to overcome.
How Hull City have taken to the Premier League
Many fans would have arrived at St James' Park with a growing sense of optimism after a stirring performance a week earlier to earn a 2-2 draw against big-spending Chelsea. That optimism was tempered by a nightmare opening seven minutes on Tyneside, where Hull found themselves two goals down. Yet the response was impressive: it was largely one-way traffic in the second half and City were arguably deserving of something for their efforts. The performance showed that Jakirovic's team looked every bit a Premier League-ready outfit.
While many clubs in the top flight, and not just newly-promoted sides, would go to Stamford Bridge and St James' Park and be tight, compact and look for the odd chance, City had 14 attempts in West London and another 21 on Tyneside. That is a hugely encouraging statistic in terms of their approach. The intent is there and should be admired, even if the finishing needs sharpening.
Just how comfortable the Tigers look at this level has been the most apparent thing over the past few weeks. You could be forgiven for thinking City would take some time to get to grips with the Premier League, especially given the sheer amount of recruitment they were forced to go through following promotion. That opening day win over Manchester United was the catalyst; it gave everybody hope, but most importantly, the players. It showed them that they can compete and be successful. Yes, they rode their luck at times against Aston Villa, but by the same token, Mohamed-Ali Cho and Oli McBurnie both had glorious chances to win it. At Chelsea, after a sloppy start, City recovered wonderfully and again should have won it late on.
Despite that horror opening seven minutes on Tyneside, and a rocky period after that, Jakirovic's men showed huge character to respond and fight back. Again, they should have got something from it. Somebody said to the author just before kick-off against Manchester United that they couldn't see City getting a single point in the opening five games, and though he felt that was a little too pessimistic, that opinion wasn't isolated. There were plenty who wrote City off before a ball was kicked. This is a group of players who graft, led by a manager who knows nothing other than hard work. They epitomise his character, his spirit and that of this football club.
Talking points
- Clinical edge: Hull City have created plenty of chances but have not been ruthless enough in front of goal. Sharpening up that finishing is a priority.
- Character and resilience: The response after going 2-0 down at Newcastle shows the team's fighting spirit and belief.
- Premier League darlings: The positivity of the team, the openness of owner Acun Ilıcalı and the charisma of head coach Sergej Jakirovic have made Hull City a neutral's favourite.
What happens next
The first international break has arrived, and for the first time it will be a longer one than usual, with both the September and October international matches thrust into one. Those Hull City players not on international duty will welcome a little break before the next five-game block. Jakirovic will know nothing has been achieved yet. They have given themselves a wonderful platform, but there can be no admiring what's gone before because the Premier League will bite them on the backside if they don't return with that same level of intensity and quality.
But what a start it has been. Hull City aren't in the Premier League for the craic, to make up the numbers and be the whipping boys; they're here to make a difference, and the opening five games show they have enough about them to be a real threat as the season wears on.
Frequently asked questions
How have Hull City performed in their first five Premier League games?
Hull City beat Manchester United on the opening day, drew 2-2 at Chelsea and lost 2-1 at Newcastle United. They also played Aston Villa, riding their luck at times but creating chances through Mohamed-Ali Cho and Oli McBurnie. Their unbeaten start generated significant confidence and momentum.
Who is Hull City's head coach and owner?
Sergej Jakirovic is the head coach, and Acun Ilıcalı is the owner. The article describes Jakirovic as charming, charismatic and bloody good, while Ilıcalı is praised for his openness.
What is the main criticism of Hull City's start?
The one criticism is that they have not been more clinical with their chances. Despite registering 14 attempts at Chelsea and 21 at Newcastle, they have not converted enough of those opportunities into goals.
Where to watch Hull City's next match
Details of Hull City's next fixture, including kick-off time and TV channel, have not been confirmed in the source article. The first international break is currently taking place, combining the September and October international matches. Supporters should check official club channels for broadcast information once the Premier League resumes.
Related Articles
Filed under: Club News | LA Premier League Home
