Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic surprised by seven-point start after Premier League return

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic says he would not have believed anyone who predicted his side would collect seven points from their opening three Premier League matches.

Hull City returned to the Premier League after several years away and have made an impressive start to life back in the top flight. They opened their campaign with victories over Manchester United and Ipswich Town before drawing with Aston Villa.

Speaking to the BBC after the goalless draw with Aston Villa, Jakirovic said: “If someone had told me before the end of the season that we would get seven points from our first three matches in the Premier League, I would not have believed them.”

The result leaves Hull City unbeaten from their opening three fixtures and underlines the strength of their defensive performances. The club have also kept a clean sheet in another match, giving them the strongest defensive record in the league so far.

Jakirovic believes Hull City could have taken all three points against Aston Villa, although he acknowledged that the visitors also created opportunities after the interval.

“We could have won the game, but Aston Villa also had some chances in the second half,” he said.

The manager was keen to stress that Hull City should appreciate what they have achieved rather than focus on the points they missed.

“We will not be ungrateful after taking seven points from our first three matches, as well as keeping another clean sheet. It is a great result for us,” he added.

Despite the strong start, Jakirovic identified areas where his side can improve. He said Aston Villa were able to find space during the match and that Hull City must continue to develop both their organisation and their quality on the ball.

“We can improve some things because Aston Villa also found some space, but it is also about quality. I think we have stability, and we can defend the penalty area better,” he said.

Hull City have demonstrated they can compete with established Premier League opposition since returning to the division. Their results against Manchester United, Ipswich Town and Aston Villa have provided an early boost, while their defensive record has been a notable feature of their opening fixtures.

Jakirovic believes the early results should give his team confidence, but he also urged his players to maintain the same approach as the season progresses.

“It is a great start for us, and we have to continue in this way because we have shown that we can compete at this level,” he said.

Hull City face Chelsea in the fourth round of the Premier League, while Aston Villa will play Nottingham Forest.