Gary Lineker has anointed Hull City as ‘the team of the season so far’ as the Tigers continue to confound gloomy pre-season predictions.
While a much-changed team exited the Carabao Cup at Sunderland last night, things have gone swimmingly in the Premier League with Sergej Jakirovic’s team yet to concede a goal.
They have taken seven of the nine points available to them so far and beat both Coventry City and Manchester United in their first two games.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker and Alan Shearer admitted the they have been surprised by last season’s play-off winners.
Lineker said: “Maybe the team of the season so far, I don’t think we thought we’d say this after three games would be Hull City. I mean, what a start they’ve had.
“Not conceding in three Premier League games, having been one of the teams that conceded the most goals last season in the Championship. I think they were about 14th most conceded goals.
“So to come into the Premier League, and obviously, they’ve brought in a lot of new players, but I mean, it’s quite remarkable the start they’ve had.”
Shearer agreed: “Amazing, absolutely superb. They’ve got a system, clearly, that they’re enjoying, sit and soak up the pressure and try and hit you on the break, very well organised.
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“And yeah, you’re right, not one of us said about Hull. We all said ‘Yep, going back down’. But they’ve given themselves a great opportunity.”
Lineker added: “They avoided relegation to League One just a couple of seasons ago on goal difference. They have come a long way. Every promoted side that has got at least seven points after the first three games has stayed up. It’s a cracking start for them and shows that if you can defend, it always gives you a chance.”
Former Man City and Aston Villa man Micah Richards also highlighted City’s defensive record but also admitted they rode their luck against Villa last weekend: “If you can defend, but if you want to defend too.
“You see the back three of Ajayi, Egan and Mendy, the way they control the centre of the box. When they go in into the low block, the organisation between them is fantastic.
“Yes, they probably should have conceded and on a different day they do concede, but if you keep three consecutive clean sheets you feel invincible. It is an amazing story against all the odds.”