Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer have declared Hull City the 'team of the season so far' after their stunning start to the Premier League campaign. The high-profile pundits changed their stance on the Tigers during a discussion on The Rest is Football podcast, a report from Hull Live confirmed this week.
Hull City's current league standing of 3rd, with seven points from two wins and a draw, underpins the praise. They are just two points behind leaders Manchester City and has a perfect defensive record of three goals scored and none conceded. This remarkable form comes ahead of a challenging next fixture against Chelsea on September 12th.
What did the pundits say about Hull City?
Speaking on the popular podcast, Gary Lineker led the acclaim. "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," he said. Alan Shearer was equally effusive in his analysis of the team's approach. "Amazing, absolutely superb," Shearer stated. "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."
Their co-host, former defender Micah Richards, specifically highlighted the defensive unit. He pointed to the solidity of the back three featuring Semi Ajayi, John Egan, and Benjamin Mendy as a key factor in the team's success. This organisation is a stark contrast to the previous season, where Hull conceded the 14th most goals in the Championship.
How does this start compare to recent history?
The transformation has been rapid. Just a couple of seasons ago, Hull City avoided relegation to League One on the slender margin of goal difference. Their current top-flight resurgence, built on a summer of significant recruitment, has defied early expectations. The statistics are compelling: every promoted side that has secured at least seven points from their first three Premier League matches has historically avoided relegation.
Maintaining this momentum will be tested, especially with several players currently sidelined. The injury list includes Charlie Hughes, Darko Gyabi, Jack Butland, and Óscar Zambrano, whose return will be monitored on the club's injuries page. The squad depth assembled ahead of the season is now facing its first major examination.
What is behind the defensive solidity?
Micah Richards' focus on the defensive structure points to a clear tactical plan implemented by the coaching staff. Moving from a leaky defence to one that has yet to be breached in 270 minutes of Premier League football represents a monumental shift. The organised back three has provided a platform for victories over Coventry City and Manchester United, and a draw that contributed to the current standings.
This resilience allows Hull to execute the counter-attacking strategy that Shearer admired. Soaking up pressure and striking effectively has yielded maximum points from two of their three outings, a method that will be key in upcoming matches detailed in the full fixtures schedule.
Can Hull City sustain this form?
The immediate challenge is a trip to Stamford Bridge to face a Chelsea side sitting 4th in the table. It represents another significant test of the system that has earned such widespread praise. The club's journey from a relegation scrap to being hailed by national pundits as an early-season standout is a narrative few predicted.
Fans seeking the latest updates on the squad handle this period can find full details on the official squad page. Hull City's next Premier League match is away to Chelsea on Saturday, September 12th, 2026.
