Ten things we've learned from Hull City's season so far

The international break gives Hull City supporters a chance to take stock of the season so far – and there is plenty to chew over. Here are ten things we've learned from the the Tigers' 2014-15 campaign to date.

1) Jelavic is the real deal up-front

Nikica Jelavic has started the season in fine form, scoring four goals in his seven Premier League matches so far. Over the course of a 38-game campaign, that ratio would see him bag 21 goals.

While it would be some effort for him to hit such heights (only three players reached the 20-goal mark last season), Jelavic now looks every inch the regular goalscorer City have been craving.

Having retired from international football this weekend, the Croatian can focus wholly on City and it will surely not be long before he becomes the Tigers' record goalscorer in the top-flight, surpassing Geovanni.2) Don't expose Dawson to pace

The start of Michael Dawson's City career has been a baptism of fire. The former Spurs man fared badly on his debut at Aston Villa and also struggled in the recent defeat to Manchester City.

In both games, he was exposed to pace, as both Gabby Agbonlahor and Sergio Aguero will gleefully testify. The return of James Chester in Saturday's win over Palace helped Dawson no end and he looked much more comfortable in the middle of a back three.

3) Andy Robertson is the deal of the summer

Not many City fans will have heard of Andy Robertson this time last year but right now he is arguably the most valuable member of the squad. The 20-year-old has taken to the Premier League like the proverbial duck to water and he looks to have a very bright future ahead of him.

Although the young Scot is far from the finished article, he possesses all the raw attributes needed to make his City career a successful one. The £2.85m paid to Dundee United for his services is increasingly looking like the deal of the summer.

4) Hull City haven't missed Shane Long

When Shane Long made his £12m move from City to Southampton, the consensus among supporters was: "Great deal for the club, but he'll be missed."

But the Irishman's name has barely been mentioned since his move down south. City have adapted to life after Long well and the partnership of Nikica Jelavic and Abel Hernandez has shown early promise. The Uruguayan doesn't boast Long's work-rate but he possesses much more of a goal threat, something City lacked at times last season.

5) Cup failings have left fans wanting more

Despite a few fears about its impact on the domestic campaign, most fans were excited at the prospect of playing in Europe, so a failure to reach the group stages was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after trips to Slovakia and Belgium whetted the appetite.

And after last season's FA Cup exploits exposed fans to the joys of knockout football for the first time in many-a-year, going out of the League Cup at the first time of asking has left the fixture list looking rather light and Bruce's squad looking a little bloated.

6) North Stand switch has improved the atmosphere

Although the decision to move home fans to the North Stand wasn't universally popular to begin with, it seems to have grown on supporters, partly because the atmosphere has markedly improved at the KC since the switch.

Fanzine site Amber Nectar has suggested City should attack towards the North Stand in the second half and that seems to make sense. Six of City's seven league goals have come at that end and while the North Stand may not exactly resemble Borussia Dortmund's 'Yellow Wall', it is considerably more vocal than the rest of the ground.

7) Diame has been an attacking revelation

Of Steve Bruce's four deadline-day signings, supporters likely viewed Mohamed Diame as the least exciting. But the Senegalese midfielder has undoubtedly had the biggest influence.

Despite having a reputation as a defensive midfielder, he has excelled in the final third, netting three goals in his four games, and looks every bit the complete midfielder.

Diame has been the driving force in the City midfield and with Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore sitting behind him, he has had the freedom to express himself. The £3.5m fee paid to West Ham already looks a steal.8) City's squad has never been so international

No less than 13 City players were called up by their countries in the past week. The World Cup in Brazil saw Nikica Jelavic and Maynor Figueroa represent Croatia and Honduras respectively and Steve Bruce has since added players from Senegal, Uruguay and France.

The core of the squad that has served Bruce so well remains British and Irish, however, providing a blend that, after a slightly rocky start, should see City go from strength to strength this season.

9) Further loan departures can be expected

With only Premier League games to be played between now and January, Steve Bruce will inevitably look to offload some members of his squad on loan. Yannick Sagbo joined Wolves last week and more departures can be expected.

With four new arrivals on deadline day, City have a number of players in need of games. Paul McShane, Harry Maguire, David Meyler, Tom Ince and Sone Aluko all failed to make the bench on Saturday and it may suit everyone if they get a run-out or two elsewhere.

10) The fun factor is back at the KC

Hull City have been, if nothing else, fun to watch this season. There have been goals galore so far this campaign – both for and against. Only five teams have bettered City's tally of 11 league goals and if Bruce's men can keep this up they will be pushing 60 goals come May.

The Tigers have also conceded 11 goals, at an average of 1.57 per game, which is slightly more than last year, when they let in 53 in total. The challenge for Bruce right now is to find that balance between attack and defence, something he largely achieved in Saturday's win over Crystal Palace.