Hull City supporters taunted Joe Cole during the first half of their surprise victory over Manchester United, as the Premier League newcomers enjoyed a dream start to their season.
The Tigers secured promotion via the play-offs last season after finishing sixth, and many pundits, including Cole, tipped them to finish bottom of the table. Hull have not played in the Premier League since 2017 and were also predicted to struggle last year.
Fans remind Cole of his prediction
Speaking on TNT Sports' The Dressing Room podcast, Cole said he would be "stunned if they stayed up" - and once Hull took a two-goal lead, the MKM Stadium crowd were eager to remind him of that comment.
After Nobel Mendy headed in their second goal from a set piece, home fans sang: "Are you watching, Joe Cole?" The chant was heard again as the full-time whistle approached.
Hull were good value for their three points, with United kept at bay throughout. The Tigers' owner, Acun Ilicali, admitted his team have already been written off, which frustrated him last season, and he knows the same is happening again this year.
Owner embraces underdog status
Speaking on TNT Sports, Ilicali said: "I was fed up last season, [people tipping us for] relegation - but not like this year. This year, everybody's making predictions. When it comes to Hull, they don't even talk, just put 'Hull, 20' then go straight to the next team. That's what we like, I like, our fans like, because we want to be underdogs. If nobody thinks we will achieve something, I like it like this."
Hull are the favourites for relegation, but the statement win on Saturday afternoon gives them an ideal start. Their most recent spell in the top flight lasted only one year before they went straight back down.
Defender dismisses doubters
Tigers defender Semi Ajayi, who scored the opener at the MKM Stadium, insisted they are not bothered by the doubters. "We're not focused on outside noise," he said. "We back ourselves to do well and hopefully we will have a really positive season."
