2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season
Despite amassing a 30–12–6 regular season record, finishing second place in the Western Conference, and winning the Pacific Division for the second time in franchise history, the Ducks disappointed in the playoffs, falling to the Detroit Red Wings 4–3. The Ducks held a 3–2 series lead in the after Game 5, but lost Game 6 in overtime to Detroit before falling apart offensively in the decisive Game 7.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
Prior to the lockout, the original 2012–13 Anaheim Ducks regular season schedule was released in June 2012. Their home and season opener was scheduled to take place on Friday, October 12 against San Jose, and the Ducks were to have enjoyed a four-game homestand to start the season.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
On Thursday, October 4, the NHL cancelled all games scheduled through Wednesday, October 24, causing the Ducks to lose their first six games of the season. On October 19, 2012, games through November 1 were cancelled, causing the Ducks to lose three more games. Only one week later, on October 26, all November games were cancelled, and a tentative start date of December 1 was set. On November 23, 2012, all games through December 14 were axed, impacting six games on the Ducks' schedule. On December 11, 2012, all games through December 30 were eliminated. Nine days later, on December 20, 2012, further lack of negotiations during the lockout led to the cancellation of all games through January 14.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
On January 6, 2013, the lockout ended after a 16-hour negotiation session in an effort to save the season. A condensed season, of a length of 48 intra-conference games, will now be played.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
Under the new, lockout-shortened 48-game schedule, the Ducks opened the season by sweeping a two-game Canadian road trip, with a decisive 7–3 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, January 19, at 7 p.m. PST, followed by a 5–4 decision against the Calgary Flames on Monday, January 21. Their home opener will now take place at Honda Center on Friday, January 25, also against the Canucks. The distinction of the Ducks' longest homestand will be split between two five-game stretches from March 18 – 25 and from April 3 to 10.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
Anaheim's lengthiest road trip was a six-game haul from February 6 – 16. Also, due to the shortened nature of the schedule and the objective of condensing travel, all games will be against the Ducks' own Western Conference opponents, and no games will be played against Eastern Conference teams. This condensed schedule structure also leads to the development of anomalies absent from a normal 82-game schedule, such as playing back-to-back games against the same team in the same location.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Regular season
For example, the Ducks host the Dallas Stars at Honda Center on both April 3 and 5, and later play games on two consecutive nights at the Edmonton Oilers on April 21 and 22. The Ducks will end the regular season on Saturday, April 27, at home against the Phoenix Coyotes.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Schedule and results, Regular season
Below is the new, truncated 2012–13 schedule for the Ducks.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Player statistics, Skaters
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/− = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Player statistics, Goaltenders
Note: GP = Games Played; GS = Games Started; TOI = Time On Ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OT = Overtime Losses; GA = Goals Against; GAA= Goals Against Average; SA= Shots Against; SV= Saves; Sv% = Save Percentage; SO= Shutouts


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Player statistics, Goaltenders
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Ducks. Stats reflect time with Ducks only. ‡Traded mid-season. Bold/italics denotes franchise record


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Transactions
The Ducks have been involved in the following transactions during the 2012–13 season.


2012–13 Anaheim Ducks season, Draft picks
Anaheim Ducks' picks at the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on June 22 and 23, 2012.


2012–13 Angola Basketball Cup
The 2012–13 Angola men's basketball cup was contested by 13 teams and ran from February 3 to April 19, 2013, whereas the four-team women's tournament ran from January 22 to February 2.


2012–13 Angola Basketball Cup, 2013 Angola men's basketball cup
The 2013 men's basketball cup was contested by 13 teams and won by Petro Atlético, thus dethroning Primeiro de Agosto. The 2-leg final was played on April 16 and 19, with Petro winning with a 2–0 record.


2012–13 Angola Basketball Cup, 2013 Angola women's basketball cup
The 2013 women's cup was contested by four teams, with the 2-leg cup finals decided by playoff, with Interclube winning the title.


2012–13 Angola Basketball Super Cup
The 2013 Angola Basketball Super Cup (20th edition) was contested by Recreativo do Libolo, as the 2012 league champion and Primeiro de Agosto, the 2012 cup winner. Primeiro de Agosto was the winner, making it is's 11th title.


2012–13 Angola Basketball Super Cup
The 2013 Women's Super Cup (18th edition) was contested by Interclube, as the 2012 women's league champion and Primeiro de Agosto, the 2012 cup runner-up. Interclube was the winner, making it is's 6th title.


2012–13 Annan Athletic F.C. season
The 2012–13 season was Annan Athletic's fifth consecutive season in the Scottish Third Division, having been admitted to the Scottish Football League at the start of the 2008–09 season. Annan also competed in the Challenge Cup, League Cup and the Scottish Cup.


2012–13 Annan Athletic F.C. season, Summary, Season
Annan Athletic finished eighth in the Scottish Third Division. They reached the second round of the Challenge Cup, the first round of the League Cup and the second round of the Scottish Cup.


2012–13 Annan Athletic F.C. season, Summary, Management
They began the season under the management of Harry Cairney. On 21 December 2012, Cairney resigned as manager citing personal reasons with Euan Brydson taking over as manager on an interim basis. On 12 January 2013, Jim Chapman was appointed as the club's new manager.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season
The 2012–13 season was Anorthosis' 64th consecutive season in the Cypriot First Division, the top division of Cyprus football. It covers a period from 1 July 2011 to 30 May 2012.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season
Anorthosis Famagusta began the season in Second qualifying round of Europa League. Anorthosis faced the cup winner of Estonian for the season 2011–12, Levadia Tallinn, On the first match Anorthosis Famagusta defeat the Estonian club 3-1 (Spadacio, Toni Calvo, Ricardo Laborde) in Kadrioru Stadium, with MVP the best player of the club Ricardo Laborde. On 26 July in Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium Anorthosis defeat Levadia Tallinn with score 3–0 with scorers (Okkas, Toni Calvo, Ricardo Laborde), with MVP the attacking midfielder of the team Juliano Spadacio.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season
On 28 August, Anorthosis defeat Georgian Dila Gori away with score 0–1, With scorer Giannis Okkas at 69th minute. Dila Gori played with 10 players after the ban of Gogita Gogua with red card from the referee. On 9 August after a bad match anorthosis end their European dream at 3rd QR. of uefa europa league. Anorthosis lost 3–0 at his home from Dila Gori.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Season overview, Pre-season
Anorthosis Famagusta commenced their summer transfer activity on 19 March, signing Cypriot Goalkeeper Christos Mastrou for 3 seasons from Anagennisi Dherynia on a free transfer. On 7 May, Anorthosis has renewed its collaboration with Ricardo Laborde up in 2017 by buying rights from Atlético Huila. This transcription cost 300,000 dollars. On 12 May Anorthosis Famagusta at the end of the football season 2011–12 announced the termination of contracts and failure to renew its cooperation with the players association Matúš Kozáčik, Adam Stachowiak, Janício Martins, Stanislav Angelov, Michalis Konstantinou, and Jaouad Zairi.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Season overview, Pre-season
Additionally, Dato Kvirkvelia has also been added to those departing from the team. The player expressed the wish to leave the team for personal reasons. The best centre back of Champions League 2012 Paulo Jorge was signed for 2 seasons on a free transfer from Apoel Nicosia on 13 May. On 13 May, Anorthosis has renewed its collaboration with Jan Rezek up in 2015 by buying rights from Viktoria Plzeň. This transcription cost 220,000 Euros. On 26 May, Anorthosis Demetris Economou was signed for 5 seasons on a transfer from Enosis Neon Paralimni. This transcription cost 100,000 Euros.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Season overview, Pre-season
On 28 May, Anorthosis Announce the terminations of the contract with Igor Tomašić by paying compensation to the player €90,000. On 29 May, Anorthosis Announce the contract with the national player with Montenegro team Srđan Blažić for the next two years. On 30 May, Anorthosis Announce the contract with the 25 years old Toni Calvo until 2014. On 4 June was Anorthosis first unofficial training into Andonis Papadopoulos stadium.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Season overview, Pre-season
Anothosis began the training with the part of the current squad, Marco Andic, Paulo Jorge, Jurgen Colin, Christos Marangos, Vincent Laban, Valentinos Sielis, Christos Mastrou, Gabriel Constantinou, Demetris Economou, Zacharias Theodorou, Adamos Andreou, Constantinos Laifis, Civard Sprockel, Savvas Panayiotou and Panayiotis Loizides. On 6 June, Anorthosis Announce the contract with the 32 years old William Boaventura. On 9 June, Anorthosis Announce the contract with Giorgos Sielis the brother of the international player of Anorthosis Famagusta Valentinos Sielis. On 16 June, Anorthosis Announce the contract with the Brazilian Midfielder Juliano Spadacio for 1+1 years contract.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Season overview, Pre-season
On 21 June, Anorthosis announced a two-year contract with the National Slovenian Right back Branko Ilič. On 27 June, Anorthosis Announce the contract for 1+1 years with the national Romania Midfielder, Dan Alexa. Victorious team began the cycle of friendly games in preparation in Austria. The team with two goals from Spadacio and one of Roncatto and Laborde, won the FC Wacker Innsbruck II with 4–0. Tie ended 1–1 in the second friendly of the team in preparation of Austria, against Dinamo București.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Season overview, Pre-season
Not completed the third friendly of the team, with Dinamo Kiev, and the pitch was unsuitable due to heavy rain and 55 was stopped finally and while the team was ahead in the score to 3–1. The team's fourth friendly match in Austria was completed with a draw, without goals, against Petrolul Ploiesti. The game's greatest lost chance was on 55', when in a penalty won by the team Giannis Okkas aimed the goal post. On 12 July, Anorthosis won Doxa katokopias for the last friendly match before European competitions with 2–1.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Current squad
Last updated: 1 September 2012Source: Squad statistics and Start formations Only competitive matches. Using the most used start formation. Ordered by position on pitch (from back right to front left).


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Cypriot First Division, Play-offs table
The first 12 teams are divided into 3 groups. Points are carried over from the regular season.


2012–13 Anorthosis Famagusta F.C. season, Squad statistics, Disciplinary record
Last updated: 28 July 2012Source: Competitive matches and , Ordered by ,  and  = Number of bookings;  = Number of sending offs after a second yellow card;  = Number of sending offs by a direct red card.


2012–13 Antigua and Barbuda Premier Division
The 2012–13 Antigua and Barbuda Premier Division is the 45th season of the highest competitive football league of Antigua and Barbuda. Old Road FC are the defending champions having won their 1st championship last season. All games are played at the Antigua Recreation Ground.


2012–13 Antigua and Barbuda Premier Division, Teams
Empire FC and Pigotts Bullets FC were relegated to the Antigua and Barbuda First Division after finishing in ninth and tenth place at the end of last season. They were replaced by the top two clubs from the First Division, Celtics FC and Virgin Atlantic Fort Road.


2012–13 Antigua and Barbuda Premier Division, Teams
Bassa finished in 8th place last season and had to participate in a three-team playoff with the 3rd and 4th place teams of the First Division, Villa Lions FC and Ottos Rangers FC, for one spot in this competition. Bassa finished first after this playoff, thus retaining their spot in the league.


2012–13 Appalachian State Mountaineers men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Appalachian State Mountaineers men's basketball team represents Appalachian State University during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Mountaineers, led by third year head coach Jason Capel, play their home games at the George M. Holmes Convocation Center and are members of the North Division of the Southern Conference.


2012–13 Arbroath F.C. season
The 2012–13 season was Arbroath's second consecutive season in the Scottish Second Division, having been promoted from the Scottish Third Division at the end of the 2010–11 season. Arbroath also competed in the Challenge Cup, League Cup and the Scottish Cup.


2012–13 Arbroath F.C. season, Summary, Season
Arbroath finished fifth in the Scottish Second Division. They reached the Semi-final of the Challenge Cup, the second round of the League Cup and the fourth round of the Scottish Cup, losing to eventual champions Celtic.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season
The 2012–13 Primera División season was the 122nd season of top-flight professional football in Argentina. It started on August 3, 2012 and ended on June 29, 2013. Twenty teams competed in the league, eighteen returning from the 2011–12 season and two promoted from the Primera B Nacional Championship (Championship winners River Plate and runners-up Quilmes). The two promoted clubs avoided relegation.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season
In the first half of the season Vélez Sarsfield became champion of the 2012 Torneo Inicial "Eva Perón", winning the “Evita Capitana” League Cup. In the second one Newell's Old Boys clinched the 2013 Torneo Final "Eva Perón", winning the “Juana Azurduy” League Cup.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season
In the Superfinal Vélez Sarsfield were crowned Argentina's Super champions after a 1–0 victory over Newell's Old Boys in Mendoza. This was the first overall league championship play-off in Argentina since 1991 when Newell's defeated Boca Juniors on penalties.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season
Independiente was relegated, for first time, to the Primera B Nacional Championship. The other relegated teams were San Martín (SJ) and Unión.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Format changes
The champion of the Torneo Inicial and Torneo Final met in a season ending championship final to determine the super champion. The format for each tournament remained the same as in previous seasons.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Format changes
Relegation was also changed for the season. Instead of two teams facing direct relegation to the Primera B Nacional, three teams were directly relegated. The promotion/relegation playoffs were eliminated.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Teams
The teams ending the 2011–12 season in the bottom two places of the relegation table were Banfield and Olimpo. They played in the 2012–13 Primera B Nacional Championship. At the same time the 2011–12 Primera B Nacional Championship winners River Plate and runners-up Quilmes were directly promoted at the end of the season. San Lorenzo and San Martín (SJ) remained in the Primera División winning their Relegation/promotion playoffs to Instituto and Rosario Central.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Torneo Inicial
The Torneo Inicial was the first tournament of the season. It began on August 3, 2012 and ended on February 13, 2013.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Torneo Final
The Torneo Final was the second and final tournament of the season. It began on February 8 and ended on June 23, 2013.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Superfinal
The 2012-13 Superfinal was played on 29 June 2013 between Vélez Sarsfield, winners of the 2012 Torneo Inicial, and Newell's Old Boys, winners of the 2013 Torneo Final. The match was played at the neutral venue of the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Superfinal
Vélez Sarsfield were crowned Super champions after a 1–0 victory over Newell's Old Boys. The Association recognised that title as a Primera División (league) championship.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, Superfinal
As super champions of the 2012–13 season Vélez Sarsfield was qualified for the 2013 Supercopa Argentina, 2013 Copa Sudamericana and 2014 Copa Libertadores.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, International qualification, 2013 Copa Libertadores
Qualification for the 2013 Copa Libertadores tournament was awarded to the winners of the 2011/12 Clausura and 2012/13 Torneo Inicial tournaments. A third place was awarded to the Argentine side that proceeded furthest in the 2012 Copa Sudamericana tournament. Two more places were available to the teams who gain most points in the 2012 Argentine tournaments, and a league table showing those combined points is given below.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, International qualification, 2013 Copa Sudamericana
Qualification for the 2013 Copa Sudamericana tournament was awarded to the winners of the 2012–13 Argentine Primera División and the 5 best non-finalists (if not qualified for 2013 Copa Libertadores second stage or relegated) according to the aggregate table of the 2012–13 Torneo Inicial and Torneo Final.


2012–13 Argentine Primera División season, International qualification, 2013 Copa Sudamericana
This aggregate table could also be used for award places for the 2014 Copa Libertadores.


2012–13 Aris Thessaloniki F.C. season
Aris Thessaloniki competes in the Greek topflight. They started their Greek campaign after finishing ninth in last season's league and will enter the Greek Football Cup in the fourth round.


2012–13 Aris Thessaloniki F.C. season
After many financial difficulties during the past season, a new chairman, Antonis Zambetas, was elected by the Aris Members' Society. The new Board of directors announced a 78% budget cut and most of the players including Nery Castillo, Michalis Sifakis, Ricardo Faty, Neto were released. Under manager Makis Katsavakis, Aris will largely depend on players from the club's youth team and free agents.


2012–13 Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball team represented Arizona State University during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Sun Devils, led by seventh-year head coach Herb Sendek, played their home games at the Wells Fargo Arena and were members of the Pac-12 Conference. They finished the season 22–13, 9–9 in Pac-12 play to finish in a four way tie for sixth place. They lost in the quarterfinals of the Pac-12 Tournament to UCLA. They were invited to the 2013 NIT where they defeated Detroit in the first round before losing in the second round to Baylor.


2012–13 Arizona Storm season
The 2012–13 Arizona Storm season was the second and final season of the Arizona Storm professional indoor soccer club. The Storm, a Southwestern Division team in the Professional Arena Soccer League, played their home games in the Arizona Sports Complex in Glendale, Arizona. The team was led by general manager/assistant coach Steven Green and head coach Rino Green.


2012–13 Arizona Storm season, Season summary
The Storm had mixed results in the regular season, earning a 6–10 record and third place in the PASL's four-team Southwestern Division, and failed to advance to the postseason. The franchise also struggled at the box office, placing last among the PASL's 19 teams in average home attendance.


2012–13 Arizona Storm season, Season summary
The Storm participated in the 2012–13 United States Open Cup for Arena Soccer. They lost to the San Diego Sockers in the Wild Card round, abruptly ending their run in the tournament.


2012–13 Arizona Storm season, History
The team was originally organized in 2011, playing its 2011-12 season at the 500-seat Phoenix Sports Centre in Phoenix, Arizona.


2012–13 Arizona Storm season, Schedule, Regular season
† Game also counts for US Open Cup, as listed in chart below.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team represented the University of Arizona during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. They were led by fourth-year head coach Sean Miller and played home games at McKale Center in Tucson, Arizona as members of the Pac-12 Conference.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team
Seeded 6th in the West Region of the 2013 NCAA Tournament, the team defeated (11) Belmont and (14) Harvard by a combined score of 40 points before losing 73–70 to (2) Ohio State in the Sweet Sixteen.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team
After starting the season undefeated in non-conference play the team went 12–6 in conference and fell to UCLA in the Pac-12 Tournament semifinals. The team's mid-season record of 14–0 was the second best start in program history since the 1931–32 team opened the season 16–0.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team
Arizona entered the season ranked 11th in the Coaches and 12th in the AP preseason polls, climbed to 3rd in both after going undefeated into January, and then fell to 20th (Coaches) and 21st (AP) just prior to the start of the NCAA tournament.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team
Before the season began Sean Miller and his staff recruited the nation's 3rd-ranked class of 2012 and brought in three well-regarded transfers, among them starting point guard Mark Lyons, who led the team in scoring with 15.6 points-per-game, including 24.3 points-per-game in NCAA tournament play.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, Preseason, Summer Exhibition Tour
Practices began earlier than otherwise allowed by the NCAA in preparation for a six-day foreign tour to the Bahamas in August. (NCAA rules allow teams to conduct 10 practices in preparation for a foreign tour.) Although NCAA rules allow for foreign tours once every four years, the Bahamas tour was Arizona's first since 2006. It was the seventh in program history. The team won its games 136–66 and 99–57.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, Preseason, Red-Blue Game
Arizona's annual pre-season Red-Blue scrimmage took place at McKale Center on October 21, selling out for the second-straight season. A half-time ceremony celebrated the 25-year anniversary of the 1987-88 basketball team, the first in program history to reach the Final Four. The team's 35 victories remain the most in school history.


2012–13 Arizona Wildcats men's basketball team, Preseason, Red-Blue Game
Members of the team present included Tucson-native Sean Elliott, Arizona's all-time leading scorer, with 2,555 career points; Steve Kerr, whose 57.8% three-point field-goal percentage in the 1987–88 season is the best in NCAA history (with a minimum of 100 shots made); and Anthony Cook, who recorded a program-best 278 career blocked-shots.


2012–13 Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Arkansas Razorbacks men's basketball team represented the University of Arkansas in the 2012–13 college basketball season. The team's head coach is Mike Anderson, who completed his second season at Arkansas after posting an 18-14 record during the 2011–2012 season, where the Razorbacks finished ninth in the SEC. Arkansas finished seventh in the SEC, but a 1-12 record away from the state of Arkansas kept it from participating in the postseason. The team played their home games at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas, as a member of the SEC.


2012–13 Arkansas State Red Wolves men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Arkansas State Red Wolves men's basketball team represented Arkansas State University during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Red Wolves, led by fifth year head coach John Brady, played their home games at the Convocation Center, and were members of the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference. They finished the season 19–12, 12–8 in Sun Belt play to be West Division champions. They advanced to the semifinals of the Sun Belt Tournament where they lost to WKU. Despite the 19 wins, they did not participate in a postseason tournament.


2012–13 Arkansas–Little Rock Trojans men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Arkansas–Little Rock Trojans men's basketball team represented the University of Arkansas at Little Rock during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Trojans, led by tenth year head coach Steve Shields, played their home games at the Jack Stephens Center, and were members of the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference. They finished the season 17–15, 11–9 in Sun Belt play to finish in second place in the West Division. They lost in the quarterfinals of the Sun Belt Tournament to FIU. Despite the 17 wins and winning record, they did not participate in a post season tournament.


2012–13 Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions men's basketball team represented the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Golden Lions, led by fifth year head coach George Ivory, played their home games at the K. L. Johnson Complex and were members of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Due to low APR scores, the Golden Lions were ineligible for post season play, including the SWAC Tournament. They finished the season 16–14, 15–3 in SWAC play to finish in a tie for second place with Southern.


2012–13 Armenian Cup
The 2012–13 Armenian Cup was the 22nd season of Armenia's football knockout competition. It featured the eight 2012–13 Premier League teams and Alashkert Martuni from the 2012–13 First Division. The tournament began on 14 November 2012, with Shirak the defending champions, having won their first title the previous season. Pyunik beat defending champions Shirak 1-0 in the final, winning them their 5th Armenian Independence Cup. As winners, Pyunik qualify for the first qualifying round of the 2013–14 UEFA Europa League.


2012–13 Armenian Cup, Results, First round
Alashkert from the First Division played in the first round against Banants from the Premier League. The rest of the teams received a bye to the quarter finals. The first leg was played on 14 November, with the second leg took place on 28 November 2012.


2012–13 Armenian Cup, Results, Quarter-finals
The remaining seven Premier League clubs entered the competition in this round, together with the winner from the first round. The first legs were played on 1 March 2013, while the second legs were played on 12 March 2013.


2012–13 Armenian Cup, Results, Semi-finals
The four winners from the quarterfinals entered this round. The first legs were played on 2 and 3 April 2013, with the second legs completed on 16 and 17 April 2013.


2012–13 Armenian First League
The 2012–13 Armenian First League season began on 10 April 2012 and finished on 13 May 2013.


2012–13 Armenian Premier League
The 2012–13 Armenian Premier League season was the twenty-first since its establishment. The season began on 24 March 2012 and ended on 18 May 2013, with two scheduled breaks between 2–27 July 2012 and 3 December 2012 – 8 March 2013. Ulisses are the defending champions, having won their first league title last season.


2012–13 Armenian Premier League
The league switched from a year-round to a fall-spring schedule.


2012–13 Armenian Premier League, Competition changes
The league changed its competition mode from that of a calendar year to a fall-spring schedule. As a consequence, this season will be longer than usual; every team will play six times against each other team, three times at home and three times away.


2012–13 Armenian Premier League, Teams
Because all of the club's in last year's First League competition were reserve teams of the Premier League clubs, there was no promotion or relegation between the two for this season. Therefore, the league membership has not changed from last year's competition.


2012–13 Arminia Bielefeld season
The 2012–13 Arminia Bielefeld season is the 108th season in the club's football history.


2012–13 Arminia Bielefeld season, Review and events
In 2012–13 the club plays in the 3. Liga, the third tier of German football. It is the club's second season in this league, having been relegated from the 2. Fußball-Bundesliga in 2011.


2012–13 Arminia Bielefeld season, Review and events
The club also took part in the 2012–13 edition of the DFB-Pokal, the German Cup,  where it reached the second round and will face Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen next.


2012–13 Arminia Bielefeld season, Review and events
Arminia Bielefeld also takes part in the 2012–13 edition of the Westphalia Cup, having reached the third round after a 3–1 win over FC Gütersloh in the second round.


2012–13 Army Black Knights men's basketball team
The 2012–13 Army Black Knights men's basketball team represented United States Military Academy during the 2012–13 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Black Knights, led by fourth year head coach Zach Spiker, played their home games at Christl Arena and were members of the Patriot League. They finished the season 16–15, 8–6 in Patriot League play to finish in fourth place. They advanced to the semifinals of the Patriot League Tournament where they lost to Bucknell.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season
The 2012–13 season was Arsenal Football Club's 21st season in the Premier League and 93rd consecutive season in the top flight of English football. Arsenal participated in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, after finishing third in the previous Premier League season. The League Cup however was out of their reach, and despite an entertaining cup run, which included 13 goals scored in two games, Arsenal lost to fourth-division Bradford City in the quarter-finals on penalties. In the FA Cup, Arsenal were knocked out by Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the fifth round.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season
The Champions League also proved fruitless, as despite a valiant effort in Bavaria winning 2–0, they were ultimately knocked out on the away goals rule against Bayern Munich, thus extending their trophy drought for an eighth season. The highest scoring game in their season was the famous 7–5 win in the League Cup (after extra time), where they came back from 4 goals down to beat Reading. Arsenal's highest scoring league win was the 7–3 win against Newcastle United in December; this was also their joint highest-scoring Premier League game of all time. This season, Arsenal finished fourth after having to close another large points gap (like last season) between themselves and their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Arsenal's pre-season transfers started as early as 30 April 2012, when Arsenal announced they were going to sign German international Lukas Podolski from 1. FC Köln for an undisclosed fee, thought to be around £10.9 million. Podolski officially joined Arsenal when the summer transfer window opened on 1 July. Podolski became the second German player to join the club in the space of a year, following the arrival of Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen last summer, whom Podolski himself stated, played a big part in the transfer after talking about life at the Emirates.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
As well as early transfer news, Arsenal had early staff news, whereby, after 48 years of being associated with Arsenal, assistant manager Pat Rice retired at the end of the previous season. He was replaced on the same day by academy team manager, Steve Bould. Pat Rice played a big role at Arsenal, and was highly praised following his retirement by both the players and by manager Arsène Wenger.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Arsenal's pre-season schedule saw them take part in the second Markus Liebherr Cup (in memory of the former Southampton owner Markus Liebherr), hosted by Southampton in two 45-minute matches against what was originally Scottish club Rangers, but was later confirmed to be Anderlecht due to the financial troubles faced by Rangers, and the hosts themselves.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The competition was held on 14 July 2012 as a round-robin system with Arsenal winning their first match 1–0 thanks to a close-range finish by Henri Lansbury, and despite losing 5–4 on penalties to Southampton (following a Gervinho 35th-minute equaliser to Jay Rodriguez's 31st-minute opener in regulation time), they had still accumulated enough points to win the cup.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Arsenal then travelled to the Far East, in a tour similar to that they embarked upon before their 2011–12 season. Arsenal started their tour by travelling to Malaysia to play a Malaysia League XI in Kuala Lumpur. After an open-training session (which was attended by 30,000 fans in the previous season), Arsenal scored two late goals from German youngster Thomas Eisfeld and fellow reserve team player Chuks Aneke following Azmi Muslim's opener to win the match 2–1. From there, they travelled to China to play fellow Premier League team Manchester City in Beijing in the inaugural China Cup.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
With extra significance due to the 2012 Summer Olympics, the match was held at the 2008 Olympic Stadium, and similar to the Malaysia tour, Arsenal attempted to get closer to their Chinese fans. Arsenal ultimately lost 0–2, with two goals in the last five minutes of the first half by Pablo Zabaleta and Yaya Touré to lose the China Cup.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Arsenal then travelled to Hong Kong to play Kitchee, champions of their national league. The game gave the club's huge fan base in Hong Kong the opportunity to see Arsenal play live in an entertaining encounter that ended 2–2 after 90 minutes after Eisfeld equalised late on (which should have led to a penalty shootout, but it was later scrapped). Arsenal played in Hong Kong for the first time in 17 years, addressing their growing commitment to Asia.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
They were then going to travel to Nigeria to play the Nigeria national team in their first visit to Africa since visiting South Africa in 1993, however this was later postponed till summer 2013 based on concerns with the host city. Instead, the club sent three first-team players (Bacary Sagna, Mertesacker and new signing Podolski) on 28 July 2012 to engage with supporters in the region.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The last stop on Arsenal's pre-season schedule saw a repeat of last season's pre-season fixture against 1. FC Köln, resulting in an immediate goal-scoring return for new signing Lukas Podolski to his previous home ground.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The fixture, which was scheduled six days before the start of the Premier League season, featured the likes of new signings Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla in a commanding 4–0 win with an early opener from Thomas Vermaelen, a penalty and a close range strike from Podolski in the first half, and a finish from an acute angle from Gervinho in the second half to complete the rout.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
As the 2012 Olympics were being held in London, it was announced that Arsenal would not host the Emirates Cup tournament as part of their usual pre-season schedule, citing unnecessary increased pressure on London's infrastructure. However, Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis stated that the Emirates Cup would be hosted by Arsenal in 2013, with a host of "top" clubs being lined up already.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
As the previous season drew to a close, Arsenal announced the release of seven players on 22 May 2012, five of whom played professionally for Arsenal, including Manuel Almunia, who made 175 first-team appearances for the club (including the 2006 UEFA Champions League Final), and Gavin Hoyte who was the only other released player to receive a first-team cap (against Manchester City on 22 November 2009).


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Soon afterwards Arsenal announced their progress on the staffing situation at the Emirates, and despite Steve Bould already being announced as the new assistant manager, the Club officially announced that Bould had indeed been promoted, Neil Banfield would be promoted to being first-team coach, after managing the Arsenal reserve team for the past eight seasons, and that Terry Burton would become the reserve-team manager. On 8 June 2012, Arsenal continued their transfer activity with the sale of Oğuzhan Özyakup to Turkish club Beşiktaş.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Although it is undisclosed by Arsenal, Beşiktaş confirmed that a four-year contract had been agreed with Özyakup and a fee of around £405,000 agreed with Arsenal for the 19-year-old midfielder. Arsenal then announced their second "big" transfer of the summer transfer window, with the signing of French striker Olivier Giroud from Montpellier for a reported fee of £12.8 million. Giroud was top scorer in the French league last season and Arsène Wenger stated that he expects him to flourish. He was primarily signed as a backup (rather than a replacement) to golden boot winner Robin van Persie, in a bid to challenge this season's Premier League title and win the club's first trophy for seven years.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
On 4 July 2012, however, a transfer saga, similar to the ones of Cesc Fàbregas and Samir Nasri last summer, took a big step as club captain and player-of-the-season Van Persie revealed that he would not renew his Arsenal contract, and would therefore become a free agent at the end of the current season, signalling the end of an eight-year career at the club following his move from Feyenoord in 2004. This eventually led to the confession that Giroud had actually been signed as a replacement for the Dutch talisman. Meanwhile, on 29 June, Arsenal announced that a further seven academy players had signed professional contracts.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
To signal the intent of reducing surplus players, Arsenal then announced that a £6 million agreement had been reached for the sale of Carlos Vela on 17 July 2012. Vela featured 62 times for Arsenal, scoring 11 goals, and he was the first member of the first-team squad to be sold in the summer transfer window. A week later Arsenal announced that defender Laurent Koscielny had signed a new long-term contract after a series of consistent appearances in the first-team last season.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Throughout the summer transfer window, manager Arsène Wenger had promised the club's fans that a headline transfer would be made, so to compete for the title, and this materialised on 7 August, when Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla signed on a four-year contract for a reported transfer fee of £16.5 million, making him the most expensive player in the history of the club. With the sale of Van Persie being confirmed by the club for a fee thought to be around £24 million, on 17 August Arsenal revealed that Thomas Vermaelen had taken over the captaincy from the Dutchman, with Mikel Arteta being given the position of vice-captain.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, August
The Premier League fixture list was announced on 18 June 2012 and it gave Arsenal a home game against Sunderland to open the new season. Both matches last season produced a 2–1 win in Arsenal's favour, which promised an entertaining opening match for the club. Although Arsenal had the better of the chances, they played out a 0–0 draw with the north-eastern club. Shortly after, Arsenal announced that an agreement had been reached with Barcelona for the sale of Alex Song, and two days later, on 20 August 2012, Arsenal announced that he had indeed been sold.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, August
Meanwhile, in contrast to last season, Arsenal did not have any other commitments in August apart from competing in the Premier League, with no English contingent participating in the play-off round of the Champions League. This therefore allowed Arsenal ample time to prepare for their next test at the Britannia Stadium in their second game against Stoke City, however it ended as a second successive 0–0 draw, and although their previous defensive frailties were not present throughout August, a goalless month was a cause for concern. Arsenal had no disciplinary issues in their opening two games, which epitomised the controlled, albeit unexciting, start to the season.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, August
On a transfer deadline day that was dominated by the club's Premier League rivals, Arsenal only announced departures, as first team players Nicklas Bendtner and Park Chu-young departed on season-long loans, to Italian giants Juventus and La Liga club Celta de Vigo respectively. Despite manager Arsène Wenger stating that he is open to transfers before the window closes, Arsenal did not shadow the events of last season, in buying no players in the final week of the transfer window.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, September
Arsenal began a series a tough matches against Liverpool at Anfield, where the Gunners registered both their first goals and cards of the season. New signings Lukas Podolski and Santi Cazorla paired up for both goals, as Podolski finished low to the goalkeeper's left in the 31st minute, and Cazorla smashed a near post shot past goalkeeper Pepe Reina in the 68th minute to give Arsenal a commanding 2–0 win over Liverpool. Arsenal continued their unbeaten start with an emphatic victory over Southampton that rested fears over the Gunner's lack of scoring potential. A brace from Gervinho, goals from Podolski and Theo Walcott, and two own goals capped an almost perfect display, with the only error coming from goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny, as his spill gifted the visitors a goal, and dealt Arsenal their first defensive blip of the season, in a 6–1 thrashing.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, September
Away from the Premier League, Arsenal started their Champions League campaign with a group stage match against debutants Montpellier at the Stade de la Mosson. Dubbed as favourites, Arsenal did not begin the match in such commanding fashion, as a penalty, conceded by Thomas Vermaelen, was put away by Younès Belhanda in the ninth minute, but two goals in quick succession from Podolski and Gervinho meant Arsenal turned the game around to come out as 2–1 winners, a scoreline that reflected the quality of the two teams.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, September
Arsenal's tough month continued, with arguable the toughest test that awaited them in the entire season – an away tie at champions Manchester City. Despite the constant troubles that have come from zonal marking, Arsenal used this technique from set-pieces all throughout the game, which ultimately led to Joleon Lescott's 40th-minute header giving City the lead until Laurent Koscielny's 82nd-minute equaliser, giving Arsenal a deserved draw at the Etihad. The draw extended Arsenal's unbeaten run to five games and earned the team plaudits around the footballing world.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, September
Continuing with the packed fixture list, came another midweek tie against Coventry City in the League Cup. Arsenal fielded a team mixed with experience and young talent in a convincing 6–1 win over the League One outfit. Olivier Giroud opened his account for the club, with a clever finish over goalkeeper Murphy, and goals from youngsters Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Ignasi Miquel, a brace from Walcott, and an instinctive finish by Andrey Arshavin capped a satisfying night for the Arsenal faithful. Arsenal's final game of September came in the form of a visit from table-topping Chelsea side to the Emirates Stadium. Despite Gervinho's strike late in the first half, goals from Fernando Torres and Juan Mata, both from set plays, on either side of the half way mark, highlighted the club's underlying defensive frailties, in an unconvincing display from the Gunners.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, October
[ [ File:Reading 5-7 Arsenal (scoreboard).png|thumb|The Madjeski Stadium scoreboard dictating the historic Arsenal [[win over Reading]] in the League Cup on 30 October 2012]]Arsenal began October with a 3–1 Premier League win against West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground. After conceding an early goal from Mohamed Diamé, Arsenal netted late twice, including Olivier Giroud's first Premier League goal. Following an international break, Arsenal travelled to Carrow Road to face third-bottom Norwich City, and lost 1–0 through a 20-minute Grant Holt goal after a Vito Mannone spill, in an unconvincing display from the Gunners. Their poor form continued in a Champions League clash with Schalke 04, conceding twice in a 2–0 loss (their first at the Emirates in a European group stage match), putting Arsenal second in Group B with three games to play.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, October
Arsenal then produced a respectable performance in their next match against a struggling Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League, thanks to another late goal, this time from Mikel Arteta, following Stéphane Mbia's red card dismissal. Their final game of October was an away League Cup fourth-round tie against Reading, where after having fallen to a four-goal deficit after 37 minutes, goals from Theo Walcott (twice), Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny managed to equalise the match to 4–4 after 90 minutes (despite a controversial 90+6th-minute equaliser, when only four minutes of added time was indicated).


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, October
Theo Walcott and Marouane Chamakh (twice) then netted in extra time, with Pavel Pogrebnyak scoring an additional goal for Reading, completing one of football's most inspiring comebacks, as well as one of the most remarkable matches in League Cup history (as well as the highest scoring), to a final score of 7–5 to Arsenal, who have never lost to a Reading side in all ten occasions that the teams have met. Arsenal became the first side to have scored over six goals in two consecutive League Cup matches in this record breaking and inspiring display. They were drawn against League Two Bradford City in the quarter-finals and entered November on a high.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
Arsenal's November started as poorly as September had ended and October had started, and despite a tough test against Manchester United, an unlikely three points for the Gunners did not materialise in a lacklustre performance that only brought about two shots on target, including a late consolation by Santi Cazorla, and a disappointing 2–1 loss at Old Trafford. Arsenal extended their losing streak at Old Trafford to six seasons, in a performance that left Arsenal sixth in the Premier League table, nine points off the top.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
Arsenal, frustratingly for everyone connected with the club, showed another stuttering performance against table-topping Schalke 04 in the Champions League. They created a 2–0 lead inside 26 minutes with goals against the run of play, from Theo Walcott (following a mix-up in defence) and Giroud, however, Schalke deservedly pegged Arsenal back with goals either side of half time, from Dutch striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Peruvian Jefferson Farfán, as the Gunners left Gelsenkirchen with a point. The result, which Walcott said Arsenal would have taken before the game, left Arsenal a point and a place behind Schalke, in a widely open group.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
Four days later, Arsenal surrendered another two-goal lead, this time created by Lukas Podolski and Giroud, into a 3–2 deficit following a brace (including a penalty conceded by Arteta) for Dimitar Berbatov and a header from Alexander Kačaniklić for Fulham. Giroud scored in the 69th minute to level the game at 3–3, thus making the game the first time he scored in consecutive games, and two goals in one single game, but the Gunners were denied late on after Mark Schwarzer saved a penalty from Arteta which would have given Arsenal a 4–3 lead in the 90+5th minute.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
The draw meant Arsenal had won only one of the previous six Premier League and Champions League games (L,L,W,L,D,D), which piled more pressure on Arsène Wenger. With an uncanny resemblance to last season, Arsenal entered their first North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on the back of a poor run of results, while still managing coming out as 5–2 winners against their bitter rivals, who were once again down to ten men. Inside the first 20 minutes, former Gunner Emmanuel Adebayor went from "hero to zero" as he gave Spurs an early lead before getting sent off nine minutes later.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
This allowed the Gunners a route back into the game, which eventually came from the unlikely source of Per Mertesacker with his first goal for the club inside 25 minutes. Arsenal then finished the half strongly with goals from Podolski and Giroud to give them a 3–1 lead. In the second half, Arsenal soaked up some early pressure from Spurs before Cazorla scored when the team were on a magnificent break. Despite Gareth Bale's goal in the 71st minute, Arsenal made their man-advantage count, as Walcott completed the rout three minutes from the end.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
In Arsenal's fifth game of the month, they faced a Montpellier side in poor form, and in a far less entertaining game than the last, Arsenal came out as solid 2–0 winners, with a clean sheet. Two sublime finishes from Jack Wilshere, his first in 725 days, and Podolski, a left-foot volley reminiscent of former captain Van Persie, allowed Arsenal to secure qualification to the knockout stage of the competition, with only the top two places to be settled on the last matchday between the Gunners and Schalke.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
Arsenal returned to poor form in their next match however, as they played out a dull 0–0 draw with relegation-threatened Aston Villa, meaning the Gunners lost ground yet again on the top four sides. Yet again, Arsenal played out an uninspiring draw against fellow Champions League-chasers Everton. The game started well for the Gunners, as Walcott scored inside 52 seconds at Goodison Park, but Marouane Fellaini equalised just before the half-hour mark to level the score at 1–1, and so it stayed until the end, as Arsenal finished November in seventh place in the Premier League table.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
Arsenal started December losing 0–2 to aSwansea City side under Michael Laudrup, with two goals scored by Michu for Swansea late on, in what the BBC called "Arsenal's worst start to a season under Arsene Wenger". Next up was a Champions League visit to Olympiacos. Consecutive losses were on the cards for Arsenal, as they named a weakened 18-man squad ahead of vital Premier League games for the club.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
Despite taking a 38th-minute lead with a low drive from Tomáš Rosický, Arsenal surrendered yet another lead with two goals in under 10 minutes from Ioannis Maniatis and Konstantinos Mitroglou to give Olympiacos a 2–1 win. Had Arsenal won the game, they would have gone top of the table, as Montpellier managed a draw against Schalke 04, but instead they finished second, setting up a tough test against Bayern Munich in the last-16.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
Arsenal's fortunes turned however, in their next match against high-flying West Bromwich Albion, where a controversial penalty for a perceived dive from Cazorla gifted Arsenal the lead, when it was put down the centre of the goal by Arteta on 26 minutes. Arsenal then doubled their lead, this time on a blatant foul on Oxlade-Chamberlain, with another penalty from Arteta to finish the game 2–0 in Arsenal's favour. It was the Gunners first win in four Premier League games, and it lifted the team up to seventh in the table. Spirits dropped yet again, however, as a near full-strength Arsenal squad humiliatingly crashed out to League Two side Bradford City in the League Cup, 3–2 on penalties, following an 88th-minute equaliser by Thomas Vermaelen, who incidentally missed the final penalty. This left Arsenal with interests in three competitions.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
Arsenal then entered the Christmas period with a Monday night fixture against then-bottom Reading. The match ended in a familiar scoreline that lifted the Arsenal fans; 5–2. Cazorla scored his first hat-trick for the club, and also provided an assist for Walcott's goal, and the fifth of the match; Lukas Podolski opened the scoring inside 15 minutes. Arsenal continued their revival with a solid victory over Wigan Athletic with the Gunners recording three consecutive wins for the first time since March last season.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
An Arteta penalty in the 60th minute gave Arsenal a 1–0 win and raised the team to fourth in the table. Arsenal have a larger break than other teams in the Premier League however, as the West Ham game was postponed due to a tube strike in the London Underground. Arsenal returned to action in style on 29 December against Newcastle by emphatically beating the Tyneside team 7–3. Arsenal were never behind in the game, but were pegged-back three times by two goals from Demba Ba and one from Sylvain Marveaux following goals from Podolski, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott. However, following another two goals from Walcott (to complete his hat-trick), and a brace from substitute Giroud, Arsenal rounded off an impressive display to give confidence to the fans ahead of the crucial month January.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Arsenal started 2013 in disappointing fashion with a result that Wenger called "undeserved": a 1–1 draw against Southampton. Arsenal were gifted their goal with an own goal from Guly do Prado (Arsenal's third of the season, with the previous two also coming against Southampton), after Gastón Ramírez opened the scoring for the Saints. The result was the last of a four-game winning streak ahead of a tough couple of matches against Premier League champions Manchester City, and European champions Chelsea.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Arsenal completed their first transfer business of the January transfer window, with the loan of Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh to West Ham on 4 January 2013. Another loan was announced a day later as Swiss centre-back Johan Djourou joined Hannover 96. Both players had yet to feature in the Premier League this season for the Gunners, and both deals were for the rest of the season.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Arsenal started their FA Cup run against Swansea in the third round, and following an uneventful first half, the second half sprung into life as both teams scored late on (Podolski and Gibbs for the Gunners, and Danny Graham for Swansea) after Michu opened the scoring in the 58th minute. The final score of 2–2 meant both teams would play a replay.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
A week later, Arsenal slumped to a controversial yet disappointing loss to the champions Manchester City as Koscielny was sent off in the ninth minute after fouling Edin Džeko in the penalty area. Despite missing the resulting penalty, Džeko and James Milner gave City a comfortable 2–0 victory. Vincent Kompany was sent off late in the game leaving both teams with ten players. The stadium rang out in a chorus of jeering at the final whistle, aimed at both the Gunners and the referee.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Arsenal turned their fortunes, however, as they progressed 1–0 winners against Swansea City into the FA Cup fourth round. Jack Wilshere buried a shot from outside the penalty area to keep Arsenal's trophy hopes alive. Arsenal fans soon had further encouragement as striker Theo Walcott signed a new contract with the club, for an undisclosed length of time. Arsène Wenger said he was "delighted" to secure the contract of a "strong player and also a great person".


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Soon after, Arsenal were subjected to a second consecutive Premier League loss against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Another poor start resulted in two goals conceded, which was a similar situation as their previous league defeat. Despite Walcott managing to pull one goal back in the second half, the game eventually ended 2–1, leaving Arsenal's hope of finishing in the top four in serious doubt.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Some doubt was erased only three days later, as four goals in ten early second-half minutes meant Arsenal romped to a 5–1 victory over West Ham in the rescheduled match, originally to have been played on Boxing Day. Two goals from Giroud, and one each from Walcott, Podolski and Cazorla left the Gunners just four points off their north London rivals Tottenham in fourth. Arsenal then progressed into the fifth round of the FA Cup in another thriller three days later, with a 3–2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in the Falmer Stadium. Giroud scored yet another brace, and Walcott scored once to increase his goal tally to 17 for the season, as Arsenal set up a tie against Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the next round.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Back in the Premier League, Arsenal continued their increasingly frustrating habit of starting games slowly, going 2–0 behind against Liverpool inside an hour thanks to goals from Luis Suárez and Jordan Henderson. However, two goals in quick succession from in-form strikers Giroud and Walcott battled Arsenal back to a 2–2 draw. Giroud spurned a late chance to collect a hat-trick of braces and win the game for the Gunners.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Following an injury picked up by Kieran Gibbs in that game, Arsenal rushed to complete a late signing of Spanish international left-back Nacho Monreal from Málaga on deadline day, for an undisclosed contract length and fee (thought to be around £8.5 million), though disappointed Gunners fans by not making a move for linked Barcelona striker David Villa.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Arsenal started February solidly, with a commanding yet disciplined performance against Stoke. A deflected free kick from Lukas Podolski late in the game and a brilliant display from debutant Monreal left the Gunners in a promising position as teams around them dropped points. For the first time in six attempts, Arsenal climbed the table to fifth with a 1–0 win over Sunderland.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Arsenal had plenty of chances throughout the first half and parts of the second, and Sunderland had the chance to equalise in the second-half, but it was Cazorla's ninth goal of the season that was the difference of the two teams. Shortly thereafter, Arsenal announced the loan departure of left-back André Santos to Brazilian club Grêmio until the end of the season. This came after the signing of Spanish international Monreal pushed Santos further down the pecking order. With an upcoming fixture in the Champions League, it was believed that Vermaelen or Gibbs would have to return to play left-back.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Despite the strong start to the month, Arsenal crashed out of the FA Cup with a disappointing 1–0 loss to Championship club Blackburn Rovers. Although their opponents only had three shots on target, Arsenal rued not putting their chances away throughout the game, and left themselves with little hope of ending their trophy drought this season. Three days later, Arsenal resumed their Champions League campaign with a Round of 16 clash against Bayern Munich.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
In the first leg of a very challenging tie at the Emirates, they slumped to a 3–1 first-leg defeat, with Podolski scoring against his old club to give Arsenal a slight chance (albeit needing three goals at the Allianz Arena) in the second leg. Toni Kroos, Thomas Müller and Mario Mandžukić scored for Bayern. Needing to lift the fans, Arsenal played relegation-threatened Aston Villa in sight of a third-straight win in the Premier League. Arsenal did so with a brace from Santi Cazorla either side of an Andreas Weimann equaliser to stay four points adrift of North-London rivals Tottenham, who they played the following Sunday.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
However, the North London derby ended in bitter disappointment for the "red side of North London" as Tottenham ran out 2–1 following two goals in quick succession from Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon late in the first-half, one of which being eventually cancelled out by Mertesacker's second goal for the club (both were against Tottenham this season). Arsenal then had a 10-day wait before their return leg in the Champions League, due to Everton's participation in the FA Cup.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Though many resigned the Gunners to defeat, Arsenal had a valiant attempt to knock out their German opponents by winning 2–0 on the night (with a goal inside the first three minutes from Giroud and a goal in the last three minutes of the game from Laurent Koscielny), crashing out on away goals. However, they were the first team to defeat Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena this season and the first team not to concede against Bayern all season, giving huge confidence to the team both defensively and offensively in the final ten "cup-finals" of the Premier League season.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal stepped up once again to Wenger's rallying calls, as Arsenal recorded a second consecutive 2–0 victory in a tough encounter at the Liberty Stadium against Swansea. Goals in the second half from Nacho Monreal – his first for the club – and Gervinho kept Arsenal's top-four hopes alive. Arsenal's next match was after the international break, against a struggling Reading side who Arsenal had already scored 12 goals in two matches against this season (in all competitions). Arsenal made it 12 wins in all 12 games against Reading as goals from Gervinho, Cazorla, Giroud and Arteta ensured the Gunners ran out 4–1 winners (with Hal Robson-Kanu pulling one back for the Royals) and kept up their chase for the top four.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Along with news that Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott were to return from injury soon, Arsenal fans were given more to cheer about as a spirited performance following Metersacker's sending off against West Brom lifted the Gunners temporarily up to fourth in the table. Two goals from Tomáš Rosický put Arsenal in a commanding position but a penalty scored by James Morrison on 71 minutes made for a nervy end as Arsenal eventually ran out 2–1 winners at The Hawthorns.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Arsenal then started a period of three games in a week against Norwich, as a spirited comeback in the last seven minutes of the match ensured Arsenal went third in the Premier League table. Michael Turner opened the scoring for Norwich from a set piece but a trio of goals (including a controversial penalty) was scored by Arteta, Giroud and Podolski, as the Gunners ran out 3–1 winners.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Their next match was against fellow Champions League-chasers Everton, and after early Everton pressure Arsenal settled into the match, but was ultimately unable to score for the first time in 12 games, in a match that ended 0–0. The Gunners resumed their top four fight in a derby against Fulham that saw two men sent off (Steve Sidwell for Fulham and Giroud for Arsenal, who later lost his appeal for it to be rescinded) and an unlikely scorer in Per Mertesacker, as Arsenal won 1–0.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Following a guard of honour to the newly crowned champions, Arsenal faced a Manchester United side with former captain Robin van Persie in tow. Theo Walcott scored early as Arsenal showed early signs of brilliance, but the goal was later cancelled out by a penalty, conceded by Sagna, from Van Persie. The match ended 1–1.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
Arsenal entered a crucial period of the season with a game against newly relegated Queens Park Rangers, as Tottenham and Chelsea would play their game in hand against each other, leaving a straight battle to the top four Champions League qualification spots. Walcott again got the Gunners off to the perfect start with the fastest goal in the Premier League season so far, as well as the 12th fastest goal in Premier League history, after he put the Gunners ahead after 20 seconds.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
The game petered out, however, but it increased Arsenal's unbeaten run to 8 games, as the Gunners ran out 1–0 winners. Arsenal had a ten-day before their final home game of the season against newly crowned FA Cup winners Wigan in what proved to be a crucial game at both ends of the Premier League table. The game was won 4–1 by the Gunners, after goals from Podolski (2), Walcott and Aaron Ramsey cancelled out Shaun Maloney's free-kick strike.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
Wigan were subsequently relegated after an eight-year stay in the Premier League, whilst Arsenal left their top four faith in their own hands by staying one point above rivals Tottenham. Although the result also presented an opportunity for an unprecedented "third place play-off", this was not needed following a Chelsea win over Everton, however Arsenal secured fourth spot as a 1–0 win over Newcastle (scored by Laurent Koscielny) meant Arsenal finished the season on 73 points, three more than the previous season and one more above rivals Tottenham. Arsenal thus qualified for the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
Following the season's completion, Arsenal revealed their top four players of the season as voted for by Arsenal Football Club members. In fourth place came the Spaniard Mikel Arteta for his consistent performances in the middle of midfield (which included recording the second highest number of passes in the campaign: 2750 at a 92% success rate) with 5% of the votes. In third came Arsenal's top scorer Theo Walcott, whose tally of 21 goals in all competitions bettered that of any of his previous seasons at the club.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
He also held the feat of most assists of the campaign in an Arsenal shirt, as he deservedly claimed 12.7% of the votes. In second place came Laurent Koscielny after taking over from captain Thomas Vermaelen as a main-stay in the heart of Arsenal's defence. A number of assured performances that included conceded only 5 goals in the final 10 games of the season handed the French defender 13.5% of all the votes. Lastly, Arsenal's Player of Season award went to Spaniard Santi Cazorla, who Arsène Wenger described as "the perfect footballer". With 12 goals and 14 assists, Cazorla announced his arrival in English football with a bang, as he ran away with 55.7% of the votes in the club poll.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, Brief Season round-up
Overall, the Gunners had a reasonably successful Premier League campaign, although they failed to end the trophy drought. At season's end, Arsène Wenger promised to make some big signings and spend to get world-class players to help them challenge for trophies in the following seasons.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Players, Reserve squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Club, Coaching staff
1 Steve Bould and Neil Banfield were confirmed as the assistant manager and first team coach respectively, following the retirement of Pat Rice, however Boro Primorac will continue in his position as first team coach.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Club, Kit information
Nike released a new set of home, away and goalkeeper kits for the 2012–13 season. The club reverted to their traditional crest, after using an anniversary crest last season.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Squad statistics, Appearances and goals
[ R] – Reserve team player[L] – Out on loan[S] – Sold


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Squad statistics, Captains
Last updated: 19 May 2013Source: Competitive match reports. Competitive matches onlyMatches started as captain onlyCountry: FIFA nationality; No. : Squad number; P: Position; Name: Player name; No. Games: Number of games started as captain.


2012–13 Arsenal F.C. season, Competitions, Premier League, Matches
Last updated: 19 May 2013Source: Note: Premier League fixtures not listed due to copyright


2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor
The 2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor is the 52nd season of top flight association football in Aruba. The season began on 12 October 2012. Racing Club Aruba were the defending champions, having won their 13th title last season.


2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor, Teams
Juventud Tanki Leendert finished in 10th place at the end of the Regular Stage of last season's competition and were relegated to the Aruban Division Uno. Taking their place were the champions of the Division Uno, Caiquetio.


2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor, Teams
River Plate Aruba and Independiente Caravel finished in 8th and 9th place after the Regular Stage last season and had to play against the 2nd and 3rd place teams from the Division Uno. River Plate Aruba and Sporting finished in the top two spots at the end of this playoff and earned their places in the competition for 2012-13, but Sporting withdrew early in the season, leaving 9 teams in the top division.


2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor, Regular stage
The 9 teams in the competition play against every other team in the league twice in this stage of the competition, once at home and once away, for a total of 16 matches each. The top six teams progress to the Calle 6, where they play each other once each. The top four teams progress to the Playoff Stage.


2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor, Calle 6
The top six teams at the end of the Regular Stage enter this competition. Points from the regular stage are retained, and each team plays against the other five teams once. The top four qualify for the Playoff Stage


2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor, Playoff stage
The top four teams at the end of the Calle 6 enter this competition (known as the AVB Subway Cup 2013 for sponsorship purposes). Each team plays against the other three twice each, once at home and once away, for a total of six matches each. The top two teams qualify for the Final Stage.


2012–13 Aruban Division di Honor, Promotion/Relegation Playoff
The 8th and 9th place teams after the Regular Stage is finished enter this competition, along with the 2nd and 3rd place teams from the Division Uno. After six rounds, the top two teams will earn a place in next season's competition.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season
The 2012–13 Ascenso MX season took place from 20 July 2012 to 11 May 2013 and was divided into two tournaments named Apertura 2012 and Clausura 2013. The Ascenso MX is the second-tier football league of Mexico.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season
The Apertura 2012 winner La Piedad defeated the Clausura 2013 winner Neza in a promotional final and won the ascension to the 2013–14 Liga MX season.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Stadia and locations
The following 15 clubs competed in the Liga de Ascenso during the 2012–2013 season:


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Torneo Apertura
The 2012 Apertura was the first championship of the season. It began on 20 July 2012 and ended on 1 December 2012.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Results, Liguilla (Playoffs)
The six best teams after the first place play two games against each other on a home-and-away basis. The winner of each match up is determined by aggregate score. If the teams were tied, the Away goals rule appliesd.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Results, Liguilla (Playoffs)
The teams were seeded one to seven in quarterfinals, and were re-seeded one to four in semifinals, depending on their position in the general table. The higher seeded teams played on their home field during the second leg.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Top goalscorers - Apertura 2012 regular season
Last updated on 4 November 2012. Players sorted first by goals scored, then by goal frequency (Minutes played/Goals scored). In blue, the goal scoring champion(s) of Apertura 2012


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Torneo Clausura
The 2013 Clausura was the second championship of the season. It began on 4 January 2013 and ended on 11 May 2013.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Results, Liguilla (Playoffs)
The eight qualified teams played two games against each other on a home-and-away basis. The winner of each match was determined by aggregate score.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Results, Liguilla (Playoffs)
The teams were seeded one to eight in the quarterfinals, and were re-seeded one to four in the semifinals, depending on their position in the general table. The higher seeded teams played on their home field during the second leg.


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Top goalscorers - Clausura 2013 regular season
Last Updated on 21 January 2012. Players sorted first by goals scored, then by goal frequency (Minutes played/Goals scored).


2012–13 Ascenso MX season, Relegation table
The relegated team had the lowest ratio by adding the points scored in the following tournaments: Apertura 2010, Bicentenario 2011, Apertura 2011 and Clausura 2012 and Apertura 2012 and Clausura 2013.


2012–13 Asia League Ice Hockey season
The 2012–13 Asia League Ice Hockey season was the 10th season of Asia League Ice Hockey, which consists of teams from China, Japan, and South Korea. Seven teams participated in the league, and the Tohoku Free Blades won the championship.


2012–13 Associação Académica de Coimbra – O.A.F. season
The 2012–13 season is Académica de Coimbra's 11th season in the top flight, the Primeira Liga since returning to first division in the 2002–03 season. As the title holders of the Taça de Portugal, Académica faced Porto in the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, losing 1–0. Also, by winning the 2011–12 Taça de Portugal, the club entered directly to the group stage of the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League for the first time.


2012–13 Associação Académica de Coimbra – O.A.F. season, Review and events
Académica signed Rafik Halliche, Serge N’Gal, Bruno China, Cleyton, Marcos Paulo, Rodrigo Galo, Wilson Eduardo, John Ogu, Carlos Saleiro, Afonso, Salim Cissé and Lassana Camará.


2012–13 Associação Académica de Coimbra – O.A.F. season, Current squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season
The 2012–13 season was Aston Villa's 138th professional season; their 102nd season in the top-flight; and their 25th consecutive season in the top flight of English football, the Premier League. The club was managed by Paul Lambert, their third manager in three seasons, after Alex McLeish was sacked on 14 May 2012, having himself only been in charge for 11 months. Lambert's first competitive match came on the opening day of the Premier League season on 18 August 2012, a 1–0 defeat to newly promoted West Ham United at Upton Park.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season
His first Premier League win came on 15 September 2012, a 2–0 victory against Swansea City at Villa Park. He was handed a one-match touchline ban on 21 November 2012 for comments relating to a penalty decision in Villa's defeat to Manchester City. On his first return to Carrow Road, Lambert received a mixed reception from the Norwich fans on 11 December 2012, in a League Cup quarter-final which his Villa team won 4–1.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season
On 23 December 2012, Villa were defeated 8–0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the club's heaviest ever defeat in top-flight football. This was followed by consecutive home defeats, with Villa losing 4–0 to Tottenham Hotspur and 3–0 to Wigan Athletic, leading to increased pressure on Lambert's position. On 22 January 2013, Villa played Bradford City in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final at Villa Park, having lost the first round tie 3–1 at Valley Parade. The final score on the night was a 2–1 win for Villa, leaving an aggregate score of 4–3 to Bradford.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season
Lambert kept his job despite the poor run as the team flirted with the relegation places continuously over the next few months. Lambert did however manage to get Villa to record back-to-back wins for the first time since May 2011, as they defeated fellow relegation rivals Reading and Queens Park Rangers. He then oversaw the club's biggest victory since 2008, as Villa thrashed Sunderland 6–1.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season
Villa finished 15th with the youngest starting eleven in the Premier League, leading to praise from pundit Alan Hansen, who said that Lambert was "a contender for Manager of the Season." Highlights of the season included Lambert's summer acquisition of star striker Christian Benteke, the introduction of Villa's Player of the Season, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup and securing Villa's place in the Premier League for the 2013–14 season. An under-21 Aston Villa team competed in the new Professional Development League 1 that replaced the Premier Reserve League. The under-19 Aston Villa team once again took part in the NextGen Series, after competing in the inaugural season and reaching the quarter finals. The team went all the way to win the competition to become only the second team to be crowned NextGen champions.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The club began making plans for pre-season as early as 12 March 2012, when the free transfer of Australian Brett Holman was announced, with the player officially joining on 1 July after his deal with former club AZ expired. Later that month, the club announced a pre-season tour of the United States that would see them travelling to Chicago, Philadelphia and Portland. Following the conclusion of the previous season, Alex McLeish was sacked as manager on 14 May 2012 as a direct result – after Villa finished 16th in the league.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Managerless Villa then released a number of players on 23 May 2012 after their contracts had expired. First team players released included Carlos Cuéllar, Emile Heskey and Brad Guzan, as well as a host of academy players. Villa hired Paul Lambert as their new manager on 2 June 2012, after the manager had impressed during his three-year spell at Norwich City. The move was endorsed by players and fans alike who, after the disappointing previous season, saw this as a major positive step for the club.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Lambert set about making the job his, by appointing his two trusted allies: Ian Culverhouse, who became the new Villa Assistant Manager, and Gary Karsa, who was given a new role of "head of football operations" from old club Norwich as they were deemed surplus to requirements by Lambert's replacement, Chris Hughton. Long-time staff member Kevin MacDonald, who had been with the club since 1995 in a number of roles, most recently as reserve team manager but former caretaker manager in 2010, left the club on 9 June 2012. On his departure, MacDonald stated, "I've had an incredible 17 years at Aston Villa, one of the biggest clubs in the country, and wish to thank all the staff and players I have worked with during my time at the club. I wish Aston Villa every success in the future."


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Lambert made his first signing a month into his reign (2 July) at Villa, when he signed Moroccan midfielder Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £2 million. El Ahmadi stated before his arrival that joining the club, and playing in the Premier League, would be a "dream come true" and that he was looking forward to "dictating games" for Villa.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Four days later (6 July), Lambert made his second summer signing when young defender Matthew Lowton joined for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3 million from Sheffield United Following his move to Villa, Lowton stated that he hoped to emulate former Sheffield United player Phil Jagielka in reaching the England squad. The new manager announced on 16 July that the club would be re-signing Brad Guzan on a three-year deal, after he was previously released in May.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Lambert later stated that he had re-signed Guzan so that he could challenge Shay Given for the number one spot, and Guzan backed this up by declaring he had not returned to sit on the bench.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
1 August 2012 saw two transfers at the club – one in, one out – as James Collins returned to his former club West Ham United for £2.5 million, to pave the way for Villa to recruit central defender Ron Vlaar from Feyenoord – the second player of the summer to join Villa from the Rotterdam club (after El Ahmadi) and the third from the Eredivisie (after El Ahmadi and Holman). The club again announced the transfer as an undisclosed fee but the media reported the deal to be worth about £3 million.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Vlaar immediately declared his ambition to become a Villa great and aimed to become a club legend in central defence, just as Paul McGrath and Martin Laursen had done so previously. It was announced that Darren Bent would become Villa's new club captain whilst Stiliyan Petrov was absent, recovering from acute leukaemia.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Villa's schedule saw them kick off their pre-season at Burton Albion on 14 July, with the Villans winning 2–1 thanks to an own goal and a debut goal for Brett Holman. The Villa squad then made their way to the US for their tour with matches against Philadelphia Union, Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers. The first two games resulted in 1–0 victories for Villa, with Nathan Delfouneso and Gabriel Agbonlahor getting the goals against Philadelphia and Chicago respectively.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The final game turned out to be a dramatic 2–2 draw with the Villa goals scored by defenders Ciaran Clark and new boy Matthew Lowton, who chalked up his first goal for the Claret and Blues. Ironically, both Villa goals came from set pieces, a feat Villa failed to achieve in the entirety of the last season. The Timbers equalised twice with goals from Sebastián Rincón and Rodney Wallace, which sent the game into a penalty shootout (a tradition for pre-season games in the U.S.). Villa eventually ran out winners after a tense 5–4 shootout win.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The squad returned to England after staying undefeated in their tour and played their next friendly six days later against Peterborough United. The club continued their unbeaten pre-season record by recording a 2–0 win, courtesy of goals from youngster Daniel Johnson and a second goal for the club for Brett Holman. Lambert and his new look Villa side eventually suffered defeat in the next match, a 1–3 defeat by Nottingham Forest.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
Barry Bannan's free kick, which levelled the scores at 1–1, was not enough for the Villa after two goals from Lewis McGugan and a killer third from Marcus Tudgay sealed victory for the Championship side. The last fixture in their pre-season schedule saw Villa travel to Germany for a friendly against four-time Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen. The match was the final chance for Lambert to test out his new squad and hopefully decide his starting line up for the opening fixture against West Ham a week later.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
An exhilarating match that brought six goals in a 3–3 draw saw Villa lose the lead twice after initially being 1–0 down and Darren Bent grabbing a brace. Ciaran Clark scored his second goal of pre-season with Niclas Füllkrug, Eljero Elia and Aaron Hunt getting the goals for Bremen. Lambert said after that the brace for Bent would fill him with confidence ahead of the upcoming season.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August, Month summary
The Premier League fixture list was announced on 18 June 2012 and it gave Villa an away tie against newly promoted West Ham United to open the new season. There were no meetings between the two clubs last season as West Ham were consigned to the Championship, but ironically this was the opening fixture for Villa in the 2010–11 season which resulted in a 0–3 victory in Villa's favour, in which James Milner scored his last goal in his final appearance for the Villans before his move to Manchester City.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August, Month summary
The League Cup second round draw also took place in August with Villa being handed a home tie versus League One side Tranmere Rovers to be played on 28 August. Villa's first league game of the new season ended in defeat as they went down 0–1 to West Ham, courtesy of a Kevin Nolan strike, at Upton Park. On 24 August, the club were dealt a massive blow when promising young midfielder Gary Gardner was ruled out for the entire season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August, Month summary
This was his second ACL injury after previously injuring his left knee, in December 2009. The same day, Jean Makoun completed a long-awaited loan move to French Ligue 1 club Rennes. After experiencing supposed work permit issues, unabling him to take any part as a player of Aston Villa, Paul Lambert admitted he had never even met the player and that he was not part of his plans. A day later, Villa lost their second league game of the season 1–3 to Everton.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August, Month summary
Goals from Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavić gave the Toffees a 0–3 half-time lead, before Ciaran Clark was sent off for Villa after fouling Jelavić, who at the time was the last man. Karim El Ahmadi scored from 30 yards, his first for Villa, but ultimately it was just a consolation. Villa and Lambert's first win of the new season came in the League Cup against Tranmere Rovers. Goals from Fabian Delph, Chris Herd and a first competitive goal since February 2012 for Darren Bent sealed a 3–0 victory for the Villans.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August, Month summary
The following day, Villa signed England under-21 left back Joe Bennett from Middlesbrough on a four-year deal, for a fee rumoured to be between £2.5 and 4 million. Upon his arrival, Bennett stated, "I am really excited to have joined a massive club in Aston Villa and I'm eager to fight for a starting place and get in the team." On 30 August, Villa drew Manchester City in the third round of the League Cup. The match took place on 25 September at the Etihad Stadium.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August, Month summary
A busy summer transfer deadline day 2012, saw Villa sign three new players: midfielder Ashley Westwood signed from Crewe Alexandra on a four-year deal, and strikers Christian Benteke and Jordan Bowery from Racing Genk and Chesterfield respectively. Bowery signed a three-year deal and cost the club a rumoured £500,000 with the fee rising to £1 million with add ons, while Benteke signed a four-year deal for a fee believed to be £7 million, making him the most expensive transfer of the window for Villa .


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August, Month summary
Earlier in the day, a £7 million bid was also accepted by Fulham for American forward Clint Dempsey, but the player ultimately rejected the deal as he favoured a move to Liverpool. The move to Liverpool later fell through and the player eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur. One player also departed the club, as Nathan Delfouneso joined Blackpool on a season-long loan.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September, Month summary
Villa earned their first point of the season in the next game, after drawing 1–1 with Newcastle United at the Sports Direct Arena. Ciaran Clark's first half goal was cancelled out by a wonder strike from Hatem Ben Arfa and Villa's performance was reported to be much improved after the Everton game. The draw also lifted Villa off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone, at this early stage.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September, Month summary
The club's first league win of the season and first in 13 league matches came two weeks later, after the international break, as they beat Swansea City 2–0 at Villa Park – a reverse score of the fixture last season. A first competitive goal for the club for Matthew Lowton, a swerving volley, and a goal on his debut for substitute Christian Benteke wrapped up the points for Villa. Ron Vlaar was named captain for the match, replacing Darren Bent, who had captained the side in the previous matches.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September, Month summary
On 21 September, Stephen Warnock joined Bolton Wanderers on a three-month loan. The left back had not made a competitive appearance beforehand after falling out of favour with the new manager. The following day (22 September), Villa suffered a shock defeat at the hands of newly promoted and bottom of the table Southampton, going down 1–4 at St Mary's. Villa took the lead through Darren Bent's first league goal of the season in the first half.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September, Month summary
However, goals from Nathaniel Clyne, a Ciaran Clark own goal and a brace, including a penalty, for Rickie Lambert saw the South Coast club emphatically earn their first points of the season. Ron Vlaar was again named Villa captain, leading it to be believed that he had replaced Darren Bent as team captain. Villa didn't let this result affect their next performance however, as they recorded a shock 2–4 victory against champions Manchester City in the League Cup on 25 September. Villa twice came back after being behind, first being 1–0 down and then 2–1 down.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September, Month summary
Mario Balotelli gave City a half time lead but a Gareth Barry own goal against his former club put Villa level. Aleksandar Kolarov scored a trademark free kick, before Gabriel Agbonlahor scored his first goal of the season to send the tie into extra time. Charles N'Zogbia netted Villa's third after Agbonlahor's shot was parried by Costel Pantilimon before Agbonlahor grabbed his second and Villa's fourth, courtesy of a deflection, sending them through to the next round.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September, Month summary
Villa's reward for defeating City was a potentially tricky away tie to League One side Swindon Town, managed by former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio, to be played on 30 October. Villa's final game of the month was a highly anticipated West Midlands derby against early high flyers West Bromwich Albion, which ended 1–1. Each team wanted to show the other that they were the top team in the West Midlands, and Villa went about setting the Baggies straight with a dominant first half performance.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September, Month summary
However, it was West Brom who took the lead early in the second half, as James Morrison beat an attempted offside trap and crossed a low ball towards Shane Long, before Villa captain Ron Vlaar's attempted clearance hit Long's foot and rolled past Brad Guzan. Villa equalised through substitute Darren Bent in the 80th minute, after he coolly put in the rebound following a goal mouth scramble from a corner. The draw saw Villa register their worst ever start to a Premier League season, with only five points from six games.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, October, Month summary
The team began the month with a trip to north London to play Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. The match finished 2–0 to Spurs, with goals from Steven Caulker and Aaron Lennon condemning Villa to their fourth loss and continued their poor start to the season. After a two-week international break, Villa returned to league action on 20 October against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Villa continued their worst start to a season in 26 years by losing their fifth game, as a late Chris Baird goal gave Fulham a 1–0 win.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, October, Month summary
This loss left Villa one place and one point above the relegation zone. On 23 October, promising youngster Daniel Johnson joined League One outfit Yeovil Town on a month's loan. The next match saw Lambert face his old club Norwich City for the first time since leaving them to join Villa in the summer. The match ended 1–1 after Christian Benteke gave Villa the lead, but Norwich replied through Michael Turner, ten minutes from time. Joe Bennett was sent off for Villa after receiving two yellow cards, with Villa leading 1–0.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, October, Month summary
This result meant that Villa did not win a league match in October and had still won only one so far this season. However, Villa continued to excel in the League Cup as they knocked out Swindon Town, to advance. The match finished 3–2 to Villa but it took a 90th-minute winner from Christian Benteke to see Villa book their place in the quarter-finals. Villa had led 2–0, after goals from Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor, and looked to be easing to a win before Swindon managed to level the score with two quickfire goals from 18-year-old substitute Miles Storey. However, Benteke's late winner sent Villa through and made sure of their only win in October. The draw for the quarter-finals was made the following day, with Villa getting an away tie at Paul Lambert's former club Norwich to be played on 11 December.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, November, Month summary
The month started with a victory for Villa as they ran out 1–0 winners against Sunderland, managed by former manager Martin O'Neill, at the Stadium of Light. Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the only goal of the game, his first in the league for 12 months, as Villa recorded their first away win since January. Villa hosted Manchester United in the next game, and roared into an unexpected 2–0 lead thanks to two goals from Andreas Weimann, his first goals of the season.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, November, Month summary
However, two goals from substitute Javier Hernández and an own goal from Ron Vlaar gave United a 2–3 victory at Villa Park. The spirited performance the players showed in the last game (despite the loss) was soon forgotten as Villa were taught a lesson in their next match against the champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. City thrashed Villa 5–0 with braces each for Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez, which included a highly controversial penalty and a goal from David Silva. The result meant they dropped down into the relegation places.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, November, Month summary
On 22 November, Alan Hutton joined Nottingham Forest on an emergency loan until 1 January. The right-back had not made a single appearance this season and had been banished from first team training, having been made to train with the reserve squad all season. The club ended a trio of matches against former Premier League champions with a home tie against Arsenal. The match was a stalemate finishing 0–0, with Villa earning a valuable point to go a point ahead of fellow strugglers Reading, before their vital relegation scrap three days later (27 November).


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, November, Month summary
The month finished the way it started for Villa as they grabbed a much needed win, as well as a clean sheet, against Reading. The match ended 1–0 courtesy of a late Christian Benteke header. This result, coupled with Southampton's draw with Norwich, meant Villa entered December outside of the relegation places.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, December, Month summary
December started with an away match against a winless Queens Park Rangers team, rooted to the bottom of the table. Brett Holman gave Villa the lead within the first ten minutes with his first goal for the club. Jamie Mackie equalised for Rangers ten minutes later and the score stayed that way until the end, finishing 1–1. The draw for the third round of the FA Cup was made the next day (2 December), with Villa getting a home tie against Championship side Ipswich Town. The match was to be played on 5 January 2013.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, December, Month summary
Another draw followed the QPR game, as Villa drew 0–0 versus clean sheet specialists Stoke City at Villa Park. Darren Bent made his return for Villa, coming on as a substitute, having not played since 30 October. Villa's next match came in the form of a League Cup quarter-final against Paul Lambert's former club Norwich City. Much was made of Lambert's first return to Carrow Road, made even more intense by the reported lawsuits being filed between both parties. The Villa team made it a very happy return for Lambert, running out 1–4 winners against the Canaries.


2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, December, Month summary
Andreas Weimann grabbed his second brace of the season and goals from Brett Holman and Christian Benteke booked Villa's place in the semi-finals for the second time in four seasons. This result filled the young Villa team with massive confidence going into their next game against Liverpool at Anfield, where they gained only their second away win of the season with a 1–3 success. A brace from Christian Benteke and a third from Andreas Weimann meant Villa had led 0–3 before Steven Gerrard scored a late consolation for the Reds.