Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic leads Premier League manager list for August

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic is among the four names highlighted by the English Football Association as contenders for the Premier League’s manager of the month award for August, following an unbeaten start that included victory over Manchester United.

The competition also features Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca.

Jakirovic made the biggest early impression by guiding newly promoted Hull City to two wins from their opening two league matches. Hull began with a 2-0 victory over Manchester United before beating newly promoted Coventry City 1-0 in the second round of fixtures.

That start gave Hull six points, with three goals scored and none conceded. The results also placed the club level at the top of the Premier League standings alongside Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, with goal difference separating the four teams.

Alonso has also enjoyed a perfect beginning to his first month in charge of Chelsea. His side opened with a 3-2 win against Fulham, before producing a 4-3 victory over Brighton in their second match.

Chelsea therefore collected six points from two games, scoring seven goals and conceding five. The results have put Alonso into contention alongside three other managers who also recorded maximum points during August.

Arteta led Arsenal to wins in both of their opening fixtures. Arsenal defeated newly promoted Coventry City 3-0 in the first round, then secured a 1-0 victory against Aston Villa in the second.

The north London club also finished the opening two matches with six points. Arsenal scored four goals and did not concede, giving Arteta’s side the strongest defensive record among the four teams listed.

Maresca’s Manchester City began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Bournemouth. City followed that result by beating Crystal Palace 4-1 in their second match.

The victories gave Manchester City six points, with six goals scored and two conceded. Their results placed them level with Chelsea, Arsenal and Hull City at the top of the table.

The four clubs were separated only by goal difference after the opening two rounds. Manchester City, Arsenal, Hull City and Chelsea each had a maximum six points, leaving their managers in contention on the English Football Association’s August list.

Jakirovic’s inclusion reflects Hull City’s strong start after promotion, while Alonso, Arteta and Maresca were also recognised after leading their teams to two victories apiece.