Hull City have accumulated seven points from their first three Premier League matches, keeping a clean sheet in each one — a record that, historically speaking, puts them in strong company when it comes to avoiding relegation.

Head coach Sergej Jakirovic was in a buoyant mood when asked about the club's remarkable start, joking on BBC Match of the Day that fans might dare to dream of a Champions League place, before quickly tempering expectations. "No, of course it is early," he added.

The Tigers sit only two points behind early pacesetters Manchester City, and defender John Egan told Sky Sports the momentum from that opening-day win over Manchester United has been invaluable. "It's huge for our confidence coming up into the Premier League," Egan said. "The start is important. We got the win the first day and I think that gave everyone confidence."

What history tells us

The statistics make for encouraging reading at MKM Stadium. No newly promoted side has been relegated after taking seven or more points from their opening three Premier League games. Of all teams — not just promoted clubs — only three have gone down after matching that tally: Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2011-12, West Brom in 2017-18, and Leeds United in 2022-23. That represents just 4 percent of the 78 teams to have reached that points threshold.

Hull's defensive record is equally impressive. Only Charlton in 1998-99 and Huddersfield Town in 2017-18 had kept clean sheets across each of their first three league matches following promotion. Egan, operating in a three-man defence alongside Semi Ajayi and Nobel Mendy, credited the setup to the play-off run. "It probably started in the play-offs when we moved to that shape," he said.

From League One scare to Premier League stability

Hull's ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just 16 months ago they survived relegation to League One on goal difference alone. Jakirovic arrived before last season at a club under a transfer embargo and, restricted to free transfers and loans, still turned them into promotion contenders.

He guided Hull past Millwall in the play-offs — a side that had finished three places and 10 points above them in the Championship — before Oli McBurnie's late winner against Middlesbrough sealed top-flight football.

The club moved swiftly in the summer transfer window, becoming the busiest side in the Premier League with 18 new signings for approximately £150 million. Six of those arrivals came on deadline day, including £22 million midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Everton.

Jakirovic, who signed a two-year contract extension on Friday, acknowledged the challenge of integrating players who missed pre-season. "I know the core of my team. This is the Championship players," he said. "We brought the players in to put some quality there. The big problem for me is who didn't have a pre-season. But we will try."

Target set: 38-40 points

Results so far have been remarkable — wins over Manchester United and fellow promoted side Coventry City, plus a 0-0 draw against Europa League winners Aston Villa on Saturday.

Hull have also stood out for their defensive shape without the ball. No team has had less possession this season than Hull, who have averaged just 29 percent in their first three games. Since 2003-04, only West Ham in 2023-24 — at 27 percent — have posted a lower figure across three opening matches.

Jakirovic is not getting carried away, however. He has set a clear target for the season. "Our goal is to collect the points. I think around 38-40 points, so as soon as possible to get these points," the head coach said after Saturday's goalless draw with Aston Villa.

For now, Hull City are proving that their rapid rise from the brink of League One is no fluke.