2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, October
A spirited performance ultimately ended in defeat after goals from Mkhitaryan and Lewandowski (who was controversially awarded a yellow card for an offence that has been awarded red cards in the past) cancelled out Giroud's goal leaving the top three teams in the Champions League table on 6 points each. Arsenal returned to Premier League action against a recently manager-less Crystal Palace and a solid 2–0 win (despite going to down to ten men following Arteta's sending off) sent Arsenal temporarily 5 points clear at the top of the table.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, October
Ultimately, October ended similarly to September as Arsenal finished 2 points clear at the top of the table at the end of the month. Arsenal now face another tough test against Chelsea in the League Cup as the Gunners look to continue to fight in all four competitions they compete in. Arsenal lost to Chelsea 2–0 at the Emirates Stadium, thus getting eliminated from the League Cup.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
Despite consecutive home disappointments, Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the table to 5 points after a convincing 2–0 win over Liverpool at the Emirates. Goals from Cazorla and Ramsey secured a win for first place over second place in a top of the table clash. This subsequently gave the confidence for Arsenal to get a historic win with an Aaron Ramsey headed goal (his 11th of the season) giving the Gunners a 1–0 in Dortmund. Arsenal remained top of the Champions League table with 9 points with triple player of the month Ramsey continuing to score.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
The Gunners then suffered a set-back before the international break as they continued their poor form at Old Trafford to lose 1–0 to Manchester United. Former Gunner Robin van Persie scored with a header against an Arsenal side depleted with illness which narrowed the Gunners' advantage to 2 points at the top of the table. This increased to four in an unlikely top-of-the-table clash against Southampton as a Giroud double either side of the half allowed the Gunners to capitalise on second-placed Liverpool dropping points in their Merseyside derby (3–3).


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
Giroud's 10th of season negotiated a tough period in the Premier League successfully, on the eve of taking on Marseille in the Champions League. In this crucial tie, Arsenal all but secured qualification into the next round (assuming they do not lose 3–0 or more in Naples) with Jack Wilshere's first career double, one after 28 seconds and another in the second half to give Arsenal a 2–0 win. The convincing manner of Arsenal's victory, albeit missing a few opportunities (including a missed penalty from Özil), kept Arsenal top of their group for all 5 matchdays.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, November
Arsenal then increased their lead to the top of the table to 7 points temporarily (later reduced back to 4) with a convincing 3–0 win against Cardiff City away. On his return to his former club, Aaron Ramsey scored his 7th and 8th Premier League goals, separated by an unlikely strike from Flamini, which strengthened the Gunners' title credentials.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
The Gunners continued to stay top of the table (for the 11th consecutive matchday) after a 2–0 victory over Hull City at home. An early header from Nicklas Bendtner (his first since March 2011) and a strike from Mesut Özil ensured the victory ahead of a tough December fixture list for the Gunners. Arsenal then secured a draw against Everton as a late Özil goal was cancelled out by a goal from Gerard Deulofeu, the Barcelona youth on-loan with the Blues.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
As a result of the results around the Premier League, Arsenal increased their lead to five points at the top of the table ahead of the match against Manchester City. In the last match in the Champions League group stage, Arsenal played away at Napoli. Winning or a draw would assure them of topping their group, but Arsenal lost the game 0–2. They still qualified on head to head results, as second placed team (with the top three teams all on 12 points), behind Borussia Dortmund to progress to the knockout stage.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
Back in the Premier League, Arsenal travelled to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City, who had just two goals scored against them at home and no losses. Despite two goals from Theo Walcott (on his first start since September) and a late Mertesacker header, Arsenal lost 6–3, but remained two points ahead of rivals Liverpool.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
During the match, Laurent Koscielny suffered a laceration to his leg and there were doubts that he would play for at least a month, though this proved not to be the case, and Jack Wilshere was given a two match ban for an abusive hand gesture made during the match. The Gunners then faced another title-chaser in Chelsea nine days later, after being drawn against last years champions Bayern Munich in the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
Arsenal drew 0–0 against Chelsea which led to them falling off the top of the league for the first time since 14 September. This meant they entered Christmas second at the table behind Liverpool, who lead as a result of their higher goal difference. Arsenal faced West Ham United away on Boxing Day and following a run of no victories in three matches, Arsenal bounced back with a 3–1 victory, after two goals from Theo Walcott and a single goal from Lukas Podolski.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, December
The victory meant Arsenal jumped back on to the top of the table ahead of a trip to St James' Park to play Newcastle. Arsenal finished 2013 with two victories and as league leaders as they ran out 1–0 winners after a scrappy Giroud goal, reflecting the scrappy nature of the match.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Arsenal started 2014 with a 2–0 victory against Cardiff at the Emirates Stadium after two late goals from Nicklas Bendtner (88') and Theo Walcott (90+2'). Bendtner injured himself shortly after scoring, leaving the team with a shortage of strikers and a lengthy injury list, with several key players, such as Olivier Giroud, Mesut Özil, Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs missing the match. In the next match, Arsenal faced rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the third round of the FA Cup.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Goals from Santi Cazorla and Tomáš Rosický either side of the half saw Arsenal comfortably win 2–0 at the Emirates Stadium, progressing to the fourth round, where they faced Coventry City. On the injury front, Arsenal lost Theo Walcott for the remainder of the season, after he ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee. Back in the Premier League, Arsenal faced Aston Villa, who beat them 3–1 in the first game of the season, looking to maintain their one-point lead from 2013.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Goals from Jack Wilshere and then Olivier Giroud inside 59 seconds meant Arsenal were ahead at half-time. Despite a 76th-minute goal from Christian Benteke of Aston Villa, Arsenal held on to their lead to win the game 2–1. The Gunners then extended their winning streak to 5 games in the Premier League as a brace from Cazorla (57th and 62nd minute) ensured Arsenal secured a 2–0 victory over London rivals Fulham before a 10-day hiatus from the competition.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January
Within this period, Arsenal faced Coventry City and comfortably booked their fifth round FA Cup place with a 4–0 rout of the League One side. Goals from Lukas Podolski (two before the interval) and late strikes from substitute Giroud and Cazorla ensured the Gunners secured their 7th win in 7 games in all competitions and a match against Premier League rivals Liverpool in the next round.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January, Transfers
In a rather quiet window for Arsène Wenger's team, Arsenal signed a solitary midfielder in Kim Källström in a deadline day loan move that will see him remain at the club until the end of the season. Following injuries and suspensions to a number of key Arsenal midfielders, Källström was brought in as experienced cover (at the age of 31) and is eligible for all competitions the Gunners are competing in. The following day, it emerged that Källström had suffered a back injury and would be out for at least the next six matches.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, January, Transfers
In news concerning the youth players at Arsenal, the club announced the permanent departures of Anthony Jeffrey, Nico Yennaris and Emmanuel Frimpong to Wycombe Wanderers, Brentford and Barnsley respectively, the latter two of whom had made appearances in the first team. It was also announced that youngsters Chuba Akpom and Daniel Boateng had joined Brentford and Hibernian respectively to gain further first team experiences away from the club. Following the 11pm deadline, the loan departure of Park Chu-young was announced by club, with the first-team South Korean striker joining Championship side Watford to gain more playing time away from the club.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Arsenal's February started on a sour note after it was revealed their new signing Källström would be out for around the next 6 games of the season despite only signing the day before. However, on the pitch, the month started brightly as a host of their rivals dropped points followed by a convincing 2–0 home win at Crystal Palace ensuring the Gunners remained unbeaten in the last 7 Premier League games going into a tough period of fixtures (described as season-defining by Per Mertesacker).


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
The goals came from a brace from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on his first start since the opening day of the season as Arsenal regained their two-point lead from two matches ago. The next match was Liverpool away, which resulted in a humiliating 5–1 defeat at Anfield, with a Mikel Arteta goal from the penalty spot giving the Gunners any consolation from the match.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Arsenal then hosted reigning champions Manchester United at the Emirates on the 12th, drawing disappointingly 0–0, with the threat of falling down to third in the Premier League table as Manchester City remain two points behind the Gunners, along with having a game in hand. Shortly afterwards, Wenger claimed that other managers "fear to fail" due to the fact they play down their club's title chances. Mourinho, who himself had played down any chance that Chelsea will win the league, stated that Wenger was a "specialist in failure", as the Arsenal manager had not lifted a trophy since 2005.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Wenger later remarked saying that the comments made by Mourinho were 'silly and disrespectful', along with saying that Mourinho had 'embarrassed Chelsea'. Away from the Premier League and off-pitch antics, Arsenal gained their revenge over Liverpool with a 2–1 win in the FA Cup. This win ensured the Gunners progressed into the quarter final, and are scheduled to face another Merseyside club in Everton in that tie on 8 March. Goals from Lukas Podolski and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ensured the result, despite Steven Gerrard pulling one back from the penalty spot.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
The tough run of fixtures now continue for the Gunners with reigning European champions Bayern Munich visiting the Emirates for their last 16 clash in the Champions League. Arsenal had started the game against Munich strong, and were awarded a penalty in the 7th minute with Jérôme Boateng fouling Mesut Özil in the penalty area. Özil failed to convert, as Manuel Neuer saved a left-footed shot in the centre of the goal. Things took a turn for the worse as keeper Wojciech Szczęsny fouled Arjen Robben in the 36th minute, giving away a penalty to the Bavarian side.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
The foul earned Szczęsny a red card, but Bayern were unable to take the advantage as David Alaba hit the left post. Toni Kroos was able to break the deadlock in the 53rd minute, netting in the top right corner. Towards the latter stages of the game, Thomas Müller was able to put a second past Arsenal, slotting in the bottom right corner. The game had ended 0–2 to Bayern, with Arsenal now requiring 3 goals at the Allianz Arena in order to progress into the quarter finals.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Arsenal had unveiled a statue of former striker Dennis Bergkamp, who had scored 120 goals in 423 appearances, along with being an integral member of the Invincibles team that went an entire league campaign unbeaten. The statue depicts Bergkamp in action for Arsenal against Newcastle in February 2003. The statue will join those of other Arsenal legends in manager Herbert Chapman, striker Thierry Henry and defender Tony Adams, along with the statues being located outside the Emirates Stadium above the Armoury Store.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Arsenal then returned to league fixtures, starting with Sunderland at home, a game Arsenal won 4–1. Olivier Giroud struck early to give the home side the lead, and then slotting again in less than thirty minutes, with Arsenal leading 2–0 at the half-hour mark. Czech playmaker Tomáš Rosický scored three minutes to half time, with a beautiful team goal. The Gunners sealed the game at half time, but were able to score a fourth with defender Laurent Koscielny with a header, following an assist from Santi Cazorla following a corner.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, February
Emanuele Giaccherini scored a mere consolation goal for The Black Cats, with a shot into the bottom left corner. There was a scare as Koscielny (who has formed a strong partnership with fellow defender Per Mertesacker) was replaced by Mathieu Flamini due to injury, but manager Wenger said that he would be able to return fit in time for the next league encounter, which is with 14th placed Stoke. Arsenal now sit in 2nd place, behind rivals Chelsea by one point.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal played Stoke which started at a 3pm kick off to begin the new month. Arsenal travelled away for this fixture, and were left disappointed as they lost 1–0. Stoke had pleaded for a controversial penalty in the 76th minute, with the reasoning being a handball from Laurent Koscielny. The penalty was granted was converted by Jonathan Walters into the bottom right corner. In his post match press conference, Wenger described Arsenal as "too selfish" and the Arsenal boss has only seen them win one of their last four Premier League games. The defeat saw Arsenal drop to third, as fellow title contenders Liverpool and Chelsea won their games. Chelsea hold a four-point gap at the summit of the Premier League, whilst Liverpool are above Arsenal on goal difference.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal's second fixture of March was against Everton in the FA Cup at the Emirates. The last time the teams met, a draw was played, and both teams had also strengthened their squads in the January transfer window. Record signing Özil struck early on, to give the host's the lead. On loan Everton striker Romelu Lukaku tapped in from near the goalline in the 32nd minute to bring the scores back at level pegging.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute following Gareth Barry's challenge on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the penalty was converted by Mikel Arteta to make Arsenal lead 2–1. Olivier Giroud replaced Yaya Sanogo, along with Tomáš Rosický replacing Oxlade-Chamberlain. The substitutes proved to be crucial, as Giroud netted twice in the last ten minutes and Rosický's sublime passing lead to counterattacks to stretch Arsenal's lead, with the game finishing 4–1. Arsenal progressed through to the semi finals of the FA Cup where they were pitted against holders Wigan, and sought an 11th triumph in football's oldest competition, which would end a trophy drought stretching back to 2005.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal's third fixture of March consisted of a Champions League last 16 second leg clash against holders Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Arsenal were already 2–0 down from the previous clash between the sides earlier in the year, and in order to progress in the competition they required 3 goals to advance into the quarter finals. The deadlock was broken by Bastian Schweinsteiger who slotted past keeper Łukasz Fabiański (who replaced Wojciech Szczęsny for this match due to Szczęsny's suspension) to put Bayern up 1–0 (3–0 on aggregate).


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Bayern did not keep the lead for long as former Bayern striker Lukas Podolski slotted over Manuel Neuer to level the scores 1–1. Arsenal needed two more goals but were not able to pursue their lead and the game finished 1–1 (3–1 on aggregate) and Arsenal were knocked out of the competition. Record signing Mesut Özil was substituted at half time, and is facing "at least a few weeks out" after suffering a hamstring injury. Arsenal now travel to White Hart Lane to face fifth placed Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
On 16 March, Arsenal returned to league action and travelled to White Hart Lane to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. Arsenal had won the fixture back in 1–0 September, thanks to a strike from Olivier Giroud. Both teams were looking for a win: Arsenal to stay in the title race whilst Spurs needed the win in order close the gap and qualify for the Champions League.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal set the pace early, and all the effort was rewarded as Tomáš Rosický was able to open the scoring after 72 seconds, after being at the heart of a swift break for the visitors. Laurent Koscielny was able to save a Nacer Chadli shot off the line and Arsenal defended well to get the victory at White Hart Lane, a first for Arsenal since November 2007. After the match Arsenal sat behind Chelsea and Liverpool by four points and goal difference respectively, before facing Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 22 March.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Elsewhere, key Arsenal midfield duo Santi Cazorla and Aaron Ramsey penned new deals with the club, along with teen sensation Gedion Zelalem who also signed a new deal since joining the club in January 2013.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal went on to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 22 March 2014, a match that saw manager Arsène Wenger reach 1000 games. The match ended with a 6–0 loss as Samuel Eto'o and André Schürrle opened the scoring twice in the first seven minutes. A handball from Oxlade-Chamberlain resulted in a Chelsea penalty, which was converted by Eden Hazard to make it 3–0 inside the first twenty minutes. Although Oxlade-Chamberlain committed the offence to award the penalty, defender Gibbs was shown the red card much to the confusion of his Arsenal teammates.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Oxlade-Chamberlain even said admitted to the offence, but Gibbs was sent off anyway. This was the second time Arsenal conceded three goals in the first twenty minutes of a game during the course of the season. Oscar was able to add a fourth before half time and he added another goal in the 66th minute before new Chelsea signing Mohamed Salah scored his first Chelsea goal to end the match 6–0. Arsenal are now sitting in fourth place, seven points behind leaders Chelsea, and face Swansea on 25 March 2014, looking for a win to keep their title hopes alive.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal played host to Swansea at the Emirates on 26 March 2014. Arsenal started the match conceding a goal after a Wilfried Bony header. After the first half, Wenger replaced Oxlade-Chamberlain with Lukas Podolski, and Podolski found the back of the net in the 73rd minute, levelling the scores. Olivier Giroud was able to score Arsenals second goal of the night in under 70 seconds after the levelling goal from Podolski, giving Arsenal the lead. It looked like Arsenal were going to secure a win three points when Swansea player Leon Britton surged into the box and shot. The shot was saved by Szczęsny, only for it to ricochet in off Flamini and into the net, ending the game 2–2, giving Wenger's side one point.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
Arsenal hosted Manchester City on 29 March with the late kick off. After league leaders Chelsea lost to Crystal Palace earlier the same day, a win for Arsenal would help them gain points on the teams ahead in the table. However, City playmaker David Silva opened the scoring for the Manchester side after he tapped the ball into an empty net after Edin Džeko's shot had hit the post. The Gunners levelled as Mathieu Flamini turned in Lukas Podolski's pass to level the scores at 1–1. No side could get a winner, and the game ended 1–1.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, March
The point meant Arsenal still have a slim chance to win the Premier League, sitting in fourth place, five points behind second placed Chelsea, four points adrift of Liverpool (who can top the league if they beat North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on 30 March) and three points behind Manchester City, who have played two fewer matches than their title rivals. Arsenal can go back in the running for the Premier League should they beat fifth placed Everton at Goodison Park on 6 April.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Arsenal began April travelling away at Goodison Park to face Everton. A win would allow Arsenal to close the gap on Everton, who were also challenging for the last Champions League spot, along with gaining points and keeping the pressure on fellow title rivals in Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea. Arsenal began the game poorly, and conceded to Steven Naismith in just under 15 minutes.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Romelu Lukaku scored his 14th goal of the season when he slotted past after a fine sweeping move made by Everton, before Kevin Mirallas forced Mikel Arteta into his own net, effectively ending the game for Arsenal at 3–0. The defeat means Arsenal have not won a league game since 16 March, along with not winning a single game against the current top-five, along with challenging for the league title a serious doubt.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
However, on a more positive note, Nacho Monreal and midfielder Aaron Ramsey had both returned from injuries (injuries to the foot and thigh respectively), with the latter featuring in his first match since the 3–1 win at West Ham in December. Arsenal now face Wigan in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on 12 April.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Arsenal travelled to Wembley to face Wigan in the FA Cup semi final, a match dubbed as Arsène Wenger's biggest game of the season. Arsenal fielded a side similar to the one that faced Everton, with the exception of Sanogo, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey and Fabiański who replaced Giroud, Rosický, Flamini and Szczęsny respectively. The first half consisted of no action and Arsenal looked lacklustre through the first half. However, the second half looked more upbeat and Arsenal were creating chances, but midfielder Jordi Gómez opened the scoring from the penalty spot for Wigan after Mertesacker brought down Callum McManaman.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
The German centre back brought Arsenal back into the game, scoring a header from an Oxlade-Chamberlain cross. Scores were level at 1–1, as Arsenal nor Wigan were able to score during regular time, as extra time preceded. With neither team able to break down the other throughout added time, the winner would have to be decided via penalty kicks. Mikel Arteta opened the scoring for Arsenal, but a Jack Collison penalty for Wigan was saved. On loan midfielder Källström netted in another for Arsenal, before Jean Beausejour was able to net in for the Championship side.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Giroud was able to score another, giving Arsenal a healthy 3–1 advantage, before James McArthur scored another for Wigan. With Arsenal having the lead, a successful penalty from Santi Cazorla would propel Arsenal through to the FA Cup final. Cazorla was able to find the net, having slotted into the bottom left corner. Arsenal will now face the winner of the second FA Cup semi final between Sheffield United and Hull City, (a match which Hull won), and Arsenal will now face Hull in the FA Cup final on 17 May, hoping to end a trophy drought stretching back to 2005.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Arsenal now focused on league action, and hosted West Ham at the Emirates. Coming into the game, Arsenal had not won a league fixture since the 6-0 thrashing at Chelsea on 22 March. The team that was selected saw Szczęsny, Vermaelen, loanee midfielder Källström (making his first start for the Gunners) and Giroud return to the starting line-up. Arsenal started the game quite slow, and Giroud missed a clear chance inside 30 minutes, where Arsenal began to pick up the face. However, they were down after 40 minutes, with Matt Jarvis heading home for West Ham.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Then, Cazorla picked up the ball following a poor clearance from Stewart Downing, and his pass was expertly finished by Podolski, who levelled the scores with a shot on the turn two minutes later for the impressive FA Cup finalists. Arsenal headed into half time at 1–1, and began the second half with the same pace shown late in the first half. Vermaelen had delivered a long ball back into the box following a corner and with a touch of class from Olivier Giroud, he netted his 20th goal of the season. However, instead of sitting on the lead, Arsenal drove forward for more, and Podolski's fierce drive sealed the win as Arsenal moved up to fourth, and the Gunners will now travel away to Hull City (who are also Arsenal's FA Cup final opponents) for league action on 20 April.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Arsenal travelled away to Hull, searching for three points to keep their Top Four hopes alive. The Gunners welcomed back Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Özil back into the side after lengthy spells on the sidelines due to injury. The match was played in blustery conditions which caused an early hold-up in play as advertising hoardings were blown across the pitch, and against opponents committed to pressing high and hard, this match had the potential to be a tough one for the Gunners. But the match went underway and Arsenal almost went down after Shane Long's shot went high.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
However, Arsenal took control as Santi Cazorla set up Aaron Ramsey to fire in and Podolski buried a half-volley. Podolski turned in a loose ball after the break and Hull never threatened to peg back their FA Cup final opponents. Arsenal managed to contain Hull throughout the game, and Aaron Ramsey displayed the attacking intelligence missed by the Gunners during his injury, as he had the most touches (104), most shots (four), and the joint-highest number of shots on target (three) of any Arsenal player in the match. Arsenal still remain a point above Everton, (who are also chasing Champions League qualification), after the Merseyside club beat Man Utd at Goodison Park. Arsenal will now host Newcastle at the Emirates on 28 April.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Arsenal hosted Newcastle at the Emirates for their final game of April, knowing a win would put them on the brink of securing Champions League football for a 17th consecutive season. After beginning the match with a low-key start, the Gunners went ahead when Laurent Koscielny prodded home Santi Cazorla's free-kick. Cazorla's ball from deep was floated into a dangerous area over the Magpies' backline and Koscielny shrugged off Moussa Sissoko to meet it on the bounce and poke past Tim Krul.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
The second goal arrived three minutes before the break when Giroud sprung the Newcastle offside trap to race on to a Mikel Arteta pass. Twice his shots were blocked by Krul, but the loose ball rolled across goal to present Özil — who may have been marginally offside — with a simple finish. Newcastle could have pulled one back, however, as Loïc Rémy, making his first start since 1 March, controlled the ball and flicked it through to Yoan Gouffran, who outpaced Nacho Monreal but could not find a way past Wojciech Szczęsny from a tight angle.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, April
Arsenal were not on the back foot for long, and soon the victory was secure after Ramsey played Özil into space on the left and his cross was expertly headed home by Giroud at the near post. Lukas Podolski went close again when his side-footed shot fizzed past the upright before, at the other end, Paul Dummett's effort flew horribly wide to sum up a miserable night for the Magpies. With the win, Arsenal had a four-point gap over Everton in the race for 4th place with two games remaining.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
On 3 May, Manchester City won against Everton, meaning Arsenal stayed four points ahead of Everton. With Everton having only one match left to play, Arsenal secured a top four spot in the League, meaning that Arsenal ensured that they will qualify for the 2014–15 UEFA Champions League play-off round next season. The Gunners could mathematically still reach third place in Premier League, which would mean qualification into the group stages of the competition.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
Arsenal's penultimate game of the season was hosting Premier League strugglers West Brom on 4 May. Arsenal won 1–0, however, despite the scoreline, The Gunners had rarely been threatened by the Baggies, and after 14 minutes, Oliver Giroud netted his 22nd goal of the season. The France striker grabbed the only goal of the game, rising in front of marker Craig Dawson to convert Santi Cazorla's corner. The France international has brilliant knack of losing his marker when the ball is played from the wings, and on this occasion, he beat Dawson to score his 15th Premier League goal.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
However, Giroud's early opening goal provided one of the few rousing moments during a sedate match. Ben Foster was given little chance with that effort and perhaps should not have been given any with a Cazorla shot moments later. But the England World Cup hopeful was on his toes to push away the Spaniard's effort as it headed for the bottom corner. Arsenal went close once more, after the break, when Lukas Podolski mis-hit a half-volley from 10 yards that bounced off the post and into the arms of Foster.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
West Brom's best effort in the game came from Graham Dorrans, but his 25-yard shot was patted down by Wojciech Szczęsny. The win sits Arsenal in 4th, on 76 points, behind rivals Chelsea (who sit in 3rd) by 3 points. The Gunners finish their league campaign at Norwich on 11 May before an FA Cup final against Hull on 17 May, as they aim to end a run of nine years without a trophy.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
Arsenal, for their final Premier League fixture of the season, travelled away to Norwich, who looked doomed to relegation from the Premier League. The only way the Canaries would have stayed up was if West Brom lost to Stoke and if Norwich won 17–0. Jack Wilshere returned after a foot injury for the final 30 minutes, while knee injury victim Abou Diaby also came on for the Gunners in his first game in 14 months.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
But it was Ramsey, also returning from injury, who shone for the visitors, rifling in a superb volley from Giroud's delicate chip to the back post. It was the Welshman's 17th goal of an injury-disrupted season, and Arsenal went into the game with a Champions League spot already secured and with the prospect of a first trophy for nine years still to come in next week's FA Cup final, and a strong Gunners side rarely had to rise above second gear at Carrow Road.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
After Ramsey's opener, Jenkinson grabbed his first Arsenal goal, pouncing on Podolski's deflected shot from a Kieran Gibbs cross. Norwich never wilted, and debutant Jamar Loza stung Fabiański's fingers while the Polish keeper had to be quick off his line to close down Robert Snodgrass. The win confirmed Norwich's relegation, and only strengthened Arsenal's momentum heading into the FA Cup final.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
Arsenal's final game of the 2013-14 campaign in all competitions took place at Wembley Stadium against Hull City in the 2014 FA Cup Final. The Gunners started as favourites but were stunned as goals from James Chester and Curtis Davies gave Hull a flying start inside the first eight minutes. Arsenal needed to find a way back into the match and it came after 17 minutes when Cazorla curled a free-kick beyond the Hull City keeper Allan McGregor, making it 1–2 into half-time.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Review, May
In the second half Arsenal put pressure on Hull City and the equaliser came with 19 minutes left. It was Laurent Koscielny who scored from a corner after a header from Bacary Sagna and a deflection from Olivier Giroud. Arsenal kept the pressure, but no team could find a winning goal and the match went into extra time. After 108 minutes Aaron Ramsey scored what would be the match winning goal with a first-time finish inside the area after a backheel pass from Olivier Giroud. Arsenal, and goalkeeper for the day Lukas Fabianski, managed to stop Hull City form scoring an equaliser and won a trophy for the first time in nine years.


2013–14 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.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Club, Kit, Kit information
Nike supplied their last kit for Arsenal this season, which saw an end to 20 years of contract. Puma became the club's new supplier kit for next season.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Squad statistics, Appearances and goals
[ R] - Reserve team player[L] - Out on loan[S] - Sold


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Squad statistics, Disciplinary record
Last updated:17 May 2014Source: CompetitionsCompetitive matches only * indicates a second yellow card ( )


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Squad statistics, Captains
Last updated: 17 May 2014Source: 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.


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Competitions, Premier League, Matches
Last updated: 11 May 2014Source: Note: Premier League fixtures not listed due to copyright


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Awards, Arsenal Player of the Month award
Awarded monthly to the player that was chosen by fan voting on Arsenal.com


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Awards, Premier League Manager of the Month award
Awarded monthly to the manager that was chosen by a panel assembled by the Premier League's sponsor


2013–14 Arsenal F.C. season, Awards, Premier League Player of the Month award
Awarded monthly to the player that was chosen by a panel assembled by the Premier League's sponsor


2013–14 Ascenso MX season
The 2013–14 Ascenso MX season took place from 19 July 2013 to 12 April 2014 and was divided into two tournaments named Apertura 2013 and Clausura 2014. The Ascenso MX is the second-tier football league of Mexico.


2013–14 Ascenso MX season, Stadia and locations
The following 15 clubs competed in the Liga de Ascenso during the 2013-2014 season:


2013–14 Ascenso MX season, Torneo Apertura
The 2013 Apertura was the first championship of the season. It began on 19 July 2013 and ended on 30 November 2013.


2013–14 Ascenso MX season, Torneo Apertura, Liguilla (Playoffs)
The six best teams after first place played two games against each other on a home-and-away basis. The winner of each match up was determined by aggregate score. If the teams were tied, the Away goals rule applied.


2013–14 Ascenso MX season, Torneo Apertura, 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 play on their home field during the second leg.


2013–14 Ascenso MX season, Torneo Clausura, Liguilla (Playoffs)
The six best teams after the first place played two games against each other on a home-and-away basis. The winner  was determined by aggregate score. If the teams were tied, the Away goals rule applied.


2013–14 Ascenso MX season, Torneo Clausura, 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.


2013–14 Ascenso MX season, Relegation table
The relegated team will be the team with the lowest ratio by summing the points scored in the following tournaments: Apertura 2011, Clausura 2012, Apertura 2012, Clausura 2013, Apertura 2013 and Clausura 2014.


2013–14 Ashes series
The 2013–14 Ashes (named Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series for sponsorship reasons) was a Test cricket series between England and Australia. The five venues for the series were the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the Adelaide Oval, the WACA Ground, the Melbourne Cricket Ground and the Sydney Cricket Ground.


2013–14 Ashes series
Australia won the series 5–0 and regained the Ashes for the first time since 2006–07. In doing so, Australia recorded only the third 5–0 Ashes whitewash in history. With 37 wickets and three man of the match awards, Mitchell Johnson was player of the series.


2013–14 Ashes series
The series was notable for aggressive and hostile fast bowling display by Johnson throughout the series which many analysts described similar to the days of Lillee and Thomson. Johnson's performance was hailed by British Media as one of the greatest ever in cricket history and arguably the best of modern era.


2013–14 Ashes series
Beginning with this series, the four-year cycle of Ashes series in Australia was brought forward one year. This meant this series was held three years after the previous 2010–11 series in Australia and only three months after the end of the 2013 Ashes in England. The schedule for series in England was brought forward by two years, beginning in 2015. This rescheduling was to avoid clashes between Ashes series in Australia and the Cricket World Cup, both previously held very close together in their four-year cycles.


2013–14 Ashes series, Squads
On 23 September 2013, England announced a 17-man touring party for the Ashes series. Former Ireland international bowler Boyd Rankin, New Zealand-born all-rounder Ben Stokes and Zimbabwe-born batsman Gary Ballance all received call-ups despite being uncapped for England in Tests, while opening batsman Michael Carberry, spin bowler Monty Panesar and seamer Chris Tremlett were also included. Among those who missed out were opening batsman Nick Compton, spin bowler James Tredwell and seamers Graham Onions, who helped Durham win the championship, and Tim Bresnan, although Bresnan was suffering from a back injury and still travelled with the squad to Australia. Matt Prior was the only specialist wicket-keeper in the side; Jonny Bairstow was designated to deputise for him.


2013–14 Ashes series, Squads
On 12 November 2013, Australia announced a 12-man squad for the first Test, including ODI stand-in captain George Bailey, who at that point was still yet to make his Test debut.


2013–14 Ashes series, Squads
On 25 November 2013, Jonathan Trott pulled out of the remainder of the tour citing a stress-related illness.


2013–14 Ashes series, Squads
On 21 December 2013, Graeme Swann retired from international cricket with immediate effect. Two days later, it was announced that leg-spinner Scott Borthwick and off-spinner James Tredwell had been called up following Swann's retirement.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, First Test
Australia won the toss and elected to bat, however they were reduced to 6/132 just after lunch on the first day, with Stuart Broad claiming four early wickets. From there, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson added 114 for the seventh wicket before Johnson was dismissed for 64. At stumps on day one, Australia was 8/273, with Haddin on 78.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, First Test
When play resumed on day two, England took the remaining two Australian wickets quickly to dismiss them for 295. Haddin was run out for 94, while Broad claimed 6/81. In reply, England lost Cook and Trott in the opening session to go to lunch at 2/55. Momentum swung Australia's way when Harris dismissed Pietersen shortly afterwards, sparking a dramatic collapse which saw the visitors crumble to 8/91. Eventually England was bowled out for 136, a deficit of 159. Mitchell Johnson was the main architect of the collapse, taking 4/61. In their second innings, Australia reached 0/65 by the close of play.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, First Test
Australia increased their advantage on day three, led by David Warner (124) and Michael Clarke (113). Brad Haddin also contributed 53 as Australia declared on 7/401, setting England a target of 561 for victory. In response, England lost Carberry and Trott before the end of the day, finishing on 2/24.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, First Test
Australia made steady inroads on day four, although at tea England had steadied somewhat at 4/142. However, Lyon dismissed Cook for 65 straight after the resumption, initiating another collapse, which saw the tourists bowled out for 179. A substitute fielder Chris Sabburg, who entered the field for a brief moment, took a widely reported catch that dismissed Kevin Pietersen for 26. Australia won by 381 runs and Mitchell Johnson was named man of the match, claiming 5/42 in the second innings and nine wickets for the match.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test
Australia fielded an unchanged line-up from the first Test, while England brought in Stokes (on debut) and Panesar for Trott and Tremlett. Australia once again won the toss and batted first. They started well, reaching 1/155, but England removed Watson (51) and Rogers (72) in quick succession. Bailey scored an enterprising 53 before being caught off a pull shot. As in the first Test, Australia scored 273 runs on the first day, this time for the loss of five wickets, with Clarke on 48 and Haddin on 7 – both having survived dropped catches in the day.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test
Clarke and Haddin would go on to add exactly 200 for the sixth wicket, scoring 148 and 118 respectively. Harris scored an unbeaten 55 as Australia declared on 9/570. Johnson claimed the wicket of Cook before stumps on day two as the visitors were left at 1/35.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test
Australia removed Root and Pietersen to rash strokes on the third morning to see the score 3/66. Carberry and Bell added 45 before Warner removed the former for 60 with a one-handed catch at square leg off the bowling of Watson. This sparked a dramatic collapse for England, with Johnson claiming three wickets in one over shortly after lunch to reduce England to 7/117. Johnson then also claimed the final three wickets to claim figures of 7/40 and bowl out the tourists for 172, a 398-run deficit. Bell was left unbeaten on 72 and Australia decided not to enforce the follow-on. The hosts stumbled in their second innings to 2/4, but recovered to 3/132 at stumps, with Warner not out on 83.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test
The threat of rain on days four and five prompted Clarke to declare on the overnight score, setting a target of 531 for victory. Cook and Carberry both fell to hook shots in the first session, and England reached lunch at 2/65. Pietersen reached his first half-century of the series but was dismissed shortly afterwards for 53. Bell was out to Smith just before tea and the visitors were still struggling at 4/143. Root made 87 before falling to Lyon and at the close, England had progressed to 6/247.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Second Test
Broad fell in the first over of day five after a short rain delay, and Prior made 69 before being caught in the deep. From there, Australia quickly wrapped up the innings for 312, resulting in a 218-run victory and a 2–0 series lead. Johnson was once again named man of the match.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Third Test
England replaced Panesar with Bresnan, while Australia again named an unchanged line-up. For the third time in the series, Australia won the toss and batted. Warner made 60 but the hosts quickly stumbled to 5/143. Smith and Haddin rebuilt with a 124-run partnership, which ended when Haddin was caught for 55. Smith reached his hundred and Australia reached the end of the day without further loss at 6/326, with Smith on 103 and Johnson on 39.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Third Test
England removed Johnson early on the second morning without adding to his overnight score, and shortly afterwards Smith was dismissed for 111. The tourists quickly wrapped up the innings for 385. In response, the England openers added 85 before Carberry was bowled by Harris for 43. Root was dismissed caught behind shortly afterwards. Cook reached 72 before miscuing a cut shot off Lyon, while Pietersen fell to an athletic catch by Johnson at mid-on. At the close, England were 4/180.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Third Test
Australia efficiently wrapped up the innings on the third morning, dismissing England for 251, a 134-run lead. Warner and Rogers added 157 for the opening partnership before Rogers was caught for 54. Warner reached his century before holing out at long-on for 112, and at the end of play, Australia were 3/235, a lead of 369.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Third Test
Watson scored 74 runs from just 42 balls on the fourth morning before he was comically run out for 103. Bailey hit 28 off one over from Anderson – the equal record in Test cricket for most runs in one over – following which Clarke declared with the total on 6/369, setting England 504 to win. Harris bowled Cook with the first ball of the innings, but Carberry and Root were able to steady with a 62-run partnership. Both were out in quick succession, and when Pietersen fell for 45, the score was 4/121. However, Bell and Stokes added 99 before Bell was caught behind on DRS review for 60. England reached 5/251 by the close, requiring 252 runs to keep the Ashes alive.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Third Test
Stokes and Prior frustrated Australia for an hour and a half on the fifth day before Prior was dismissed for 26. Shortly afterwards, Stokes reached his maiden Test century, and the tourists went into lunch at 6/332. However, he was caught by Haddin off the bowling of Lyon for 120 straight after the resumption, and Australia was able to wrap up the innings for 353. Australia won by 150 runs, securing a 3–0 series lead, and with it, their first Ashes series win since 2006–07. Smith was man of the match for his hundred in the first innings.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fourth Test
Australia's team was unchanged once again, while the sudden retirement of Swann prompted England to select Panesar. Prior was also dropped for Bairstow. Michael Clarke won the toss for the fourth time in the series and elected to bowl. Cook and Carberry started well and added 48 for the opening stand before the former edged Siddle for 27. England's scoring rate was slow and their top order all made starts – Carberry scored 38, Bell made 27 and Root 24, but only Pietersen went on to score a half century. Johnson removed Stokes and Bairstow in quick succession at the end of the day to shift the advantage back to Australia, with the score 6/226 and Pietersen on 67.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fourth Test
Australia dismissed the English tail with little resistance, bowling out the visitors for 255. Pietersen added only one boundary to his overnight score and top-scored with 71. Johnson claimed his third five-wicket haul of the series, taking 5/63. In reply, Australia struggled, stumbling to 5/112. Rogers made 61 but holed out to mid-off and the hosts were in trouble at the end of the day at 9/164. Haddin remained unbeaten on 43 and Anderson and Broad both captured three wickets.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fourth Test
Haddin and Lyon added 40 for the last wicket on the third morning, with the former top-scoring with 65. Australia were dismissed for 204, a deficit of 51 runs. By lunch, England had moved to 0/54 in response, an imposing lead of 105. Johnson trapped Cook in front for 51 and England then collapsed, losing 3/1. Siddle removed Carberry lbw, Johnson ran out Root and Lyon dismissed Bell first ball to see the visitors stumble to 4/87.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fourth Test
Stokes and Pietersen added 44 before Stokes holed out to long-off, and Bairstow and Pietersen also added 42 to see the score at 5/173. However, Australia took the last five wickets for just six runs, bowling out England for just 179 and setting 231 for victory. Lyon was the main architect, taking 5/50. By the close of play, Warner and Rogers took the score to 30 without loss.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fourth Test
Australia resumed on the fourth morning needing a further 201 to win, while England needed 10 wickets. Both openers were dropped in the first hour, but Warner was caught behind off Stokes for 25. Rogers and Watson reached lunch with the score 1/143, needing 88 to win. Rogers brought up his century, scoring 116 before he was caught behind off Panesar. Watson also made 83 not out as Australia cantered home to win by eight wickets. Johnson claimed his third man of the match award of the series for his eight wickets.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fifth Test
Australia named the same team as the previous four Tests, while for England, Ballance, Borthwick and Rankin made their debuts in place of Root, Bresnan and Panesar. Cook won his first toss of the series and elected to bowl first. Australia were quickly reduced to 5/97 before Haddin and Smith added 128 for the sixth wicket; Haddin scored 75 before falling to a catch at slip, and Smith went on to make 115 before being the last man dismissed as Australia were bowled out for 326. Stokes was the best of the English bowlers, claiming six wickets. In reply, England lost Carberry for a duck before the close of play and went to stumps on day one at 1/8.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fifth Test
On day two, another batting collapse saw England lose four wickets for 15 runs, collapsing to 5/23. Stokes scored 47, but further predation by the Australian bowlers had the English all out for 155 at the tea break. Australia then took a 171-run lead into their second innings. In response, Rogers started well for Australia, reaching 73 not out by the end of the second day. The home side reached stumps at 4/140.


2013–14 Ashes series, Matches, Fifth Test
Rogers went on to score 119 on the third day, with Bailey also contributing 46. Australia were bowled out for 276, setting England 448 to win. The visitors lasted only 31.4 overs, crumbling for 166; Carberry top-scored with 43, while Harris claimed 5/25. Australia won by 281 runs and secured a series clean sweep, winning the Ashes 5–0. Harris was named man of the match for his eight wickets, while Johnson was man of the series, claiming 37 wickets across the five Tests.


2013–14 Asia League Ice Hockey season
The 2013–14 Asia League Ice Hockey season was the 11th season of Asia League Ice Hockey, which consists of teams from China, Japan, and South Korea. Eight teams participated in the league, and the Nippon Paper Cranes won the championship.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season
The 2013–14 season was Aston Villa's 139th professional season; their 103rd season in the top-flight; and their 26th consecutive season in the top flight of English football, the Premier League. The club was managed by Paul Lambert, in his second season in charge.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season
Lambert's side began the season brightly, with a 3–1 win over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on 17 August. Towards the end of 2013, the performances worsened greatly, especially home form, and Lambert was criticised by many fans and pundits for putting out a counter-attacking side with no plan B. Possession stats were biased towards the opposition in many games, including at home to Swansea; Villa had less than 30 percent of possession in a game which ended 1–1.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season
In the new year Villa lost 2–1 at home to Sheffield United, a team two divisions below them, marking the fourth consecutive year that Lambert has been eliminated from the FA Cup by lower league opposition. Lambert made headlines by claiming that "many Premier League clubs could do without the distraction of the FA Cup if they were being honest." He subsequently defended his comments, claiming they were "taken out of context."


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The club announced its pre-season plans would begin with a tour of Germany. The tour took place between 10 and 14 July 2013 and saw Villa play three games against SV Rodinghausen,SC Paderborn and VfL Bochum, all which finished 1–1. The club then returned to England to play four more games against Wycombe Wanderers (finished 2–2), Luton Town(finished 2–0 to Luton), Crewe Alexandra (finished 5–1 to Villa) and Walsall (finished 5–0 to Villa). The penultimate pre-season game saw Villa travel to the Republic of Ireland for a match against Shamrock Rovers (finished 2–0 to Villa), before a match at Villa Park against Málaga (finished 3–2 to Villa), completed the schedule.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season
The Premier League fixtures were announced on 19 June, and Villa faced Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in the first game of the season on 17 August. Coincidentally, this repeated the opening day fixture of the 2006–07 season. Villa then hosted Liverpool a week later in their first top flight home game of the season. The first West Midlands derby of the season, against West Bromwich Albion, was played at The Hawthorns on 23 November, with the return game at Villa Park taking place on 28 January 2014. Villa faced the first of the promoted clubs on 5 October, with a game against Hull City at the KC Stadium. Games against Cardiff City and Crystal Palace take place at Villa Park on 9 November and 26 December respectively.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season, Transfer summary
On 7 June, Bulgarian winger Aleksandar Tonev agreed to join the club from Lech Poznań, with the fee rumoured at £2.5 million, to become their first signing of the summer. On 13 June, Villa continued recruiting players early as they signed both Jores Okore and Leandro Bacuna from Nordsjælland and Groningen respectively. Okore, a 20-year-old Danish international, stated"I want to bring something new to our game and really help the team into a new era.' He also acknowledged 'we have a good coach and this is a really good club.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season, Transfer summary
This is the right club for me, I feel it straight away." Upon his arrival, Bacuna said, "It's a new beginning for me, a new step and I'm looking forward to being part of this young, hungry team we have at Villa." Villa's fourth signing was confirmed five days later, as Nicklas Helenius signed a three-year deal and they then completed their fifth signing with left-back Antonio Luna sealing a move on20 June. On 26 June, the club announced they had agreed a deal with Norwich City to sign goalkeeper Jed Steer to serve as back-up to Brad Guzan. The 20-year-old will join on a free transfer on 1 July.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season, Transfer summary
It was announced that Jean Makoun would be the first player to leave Villa in the summer, as Rennes made his loan move from the previous season permanent on 30 March 2013.The player officially left on 1 July. On 5 June, Richard Dunne, Eric Lichaj and Andy Marshall left the club after being released from the first-team as their contracts had expired. Four academy players: Callum Barrett, Daniel Devine, Josh Barton and Courtney Cameron were also released. Additionally, Simon Dawkins returned to Tottenham Hotspur after his loan had finished. On 22 June, the club confirmed that Brett Holman's contract had been terminated by mutual consent, freeing the player to join UAE team Al-Nasr. Young defenderDerrick Williams became the next player to leave the club, after he turned down a new deal with Villa to join Bristol City.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season, Transfer summary
On 8 July, reports surfaced that Christian Benteke had handed in a transfer request at Villa. This was later confirmed by the club, who stated that he will be allowed to leave if a suitable offer is made "within an appropriate timeframe". Just 11 days later (19 July), Benteke made a U-turn and withdrew his transfer request, simultaneously signing a new four-year deal with club. On 8 August, after signing a new contract in the summer, 19-year-old forward Graham Burke joined Shrewsbury Town on loan until January 2014. Two days later (10 August), the last season's NextGen captain, Samir Carruthers, joined League One side Milton Keynes Dons on loan until January. On 16 August, record signing Darren Bent joined Fulham on an initial season-long loan. Nathan Delfouneso re-joined Blackpool on loan, until 1 January, on the same day.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, Pre-season, Transfer summary
On transfer deadline day Villa signed Czech forward Libor Kozák, the top scorer in the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League, from Lazio. He joined on a four-year deal for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be between £5–7 million. Barry Bannan left the club, after nine years, to join Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee and Stephen Ireland joined Stoke City on a season-long loan.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August
The draw for the 2013–14 League Cup second round took place on 8 August. Villa faced Rotherham United of League One at Villa Park, on 28 August.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August
Villa began the season with a 1–3 away win over Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, becoming the first team to beat the Gunners on the opening day in 13 years. Olivier Giroud sent the hosts into an early lead, but a Christian Benteke double and a debut goal for Antonio Luna gave Villa the victory. Four days later, Villa faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in a rescheduled fixture. Chelsea won 2–1 but the match saw two controversial refereeing decisions go against Villa.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, August
The first involved Branislav Ivanović (who went on to score the winner in the 73rd minute) escaping a sending off for an elbow on Christian Benteke and the second a late penalty being denied, after the ball had hit John Terry on the arm. The first game of the season at Villa Park, and also the club's third game in seven days, was against Liverpool, where a first half Daniel Sturridge goal gave the away side a 0–1 win. On 28 August, Villa made it through to the League Cup third round after beating Rotherham United 3–0. The match was also the first time in 30 competitive outings that Villa had kept a clean sheet. Villa then drew Tottenham, played on 24 September.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September
Villa's first game after the international break ended up in a defeat to Newcastle United. Newcastle won the match 2–1, with goals from Hatem Ben Arfa and Yoan Gouffran cancelling outChristian Benteke's equaliser. It was later confirmed that defender Jores Okore had sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament injury during the match, and would be out for up to nine months. The next match saw Paul Lambert win again at Carrow Road against former club Norwich City, as Villa ran out 1–0 winners.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September
Libor Kozák got the winner, his first goal for the club, just seconds after replacing the injured Benteke. It also marked the first time in 26 league matches that Villa had kept a clean sheet. Three days later, it was confirmed that Benteke would be out for up to six weeks with a hip flexor injury. The day after the confirmation of Benteke's injury (26 September), Villa were eliminated from the League Cup after being beaten 0–4 by Tottenham. Villa had gone into the match with eight first team players out injured.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, September
However the result didn't dishearten the players, as the next match resulted in a 3–2 win against Manchester City. City had twice led through Yaya Touré and Edin Džeko but goals from Karim El Ahmadi, Leandro Bacuna and Andreas Weimann saw Villa earn their first points at home of the season.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, October
An uneventful 0–0 draw at Hull City followed the Manchester City victory, as Villa recorded their first draw and second clean sheet of the season. After a two-week international break, Villa returned to league action against Tottenham Hotspur. The game finished 0–2 to Spurs, after goals from Andros Townsend and Roberto Soldado. Christian Benteke made his comeback from injury after coming on as a 61st-minute substitute. This defeat was followed by another, again at home, as Everton left Villa Park with three points courtesy of a 2–0 win. Benteke had a first half penalty saved by Tim Howard and Villa were made to rue this missed opportunity, as two second half goals from Romelu Lukaku and Leon Osman sealed an Everton victory.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, November
A 0–0 draw against West Ham United extended Villa's winless, and goalless, run to four games. This run was eventually ended in the next match with a 2–0 victory over Cardiff City at Villa Park. Leandro Bacuna and Libor Kozák both scored their second goals for the club and Villa kept their first clean sheet at home for 17 games, as well as first back-to-back clean sheets since November 2012. Villa returned to action, after another international break, in the first West Midlands derby of the season against West Bromwich Albion.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, November
West Brom raced into a 2–0 lead within 11 minutes after two goals from Shane Long but Villa responded in the second half as Karim El Ahmadi pulled one back. Ashley Westwood then rescued a point for Villa with a goal from 25-yards out, his first for the club, as the match finished 2–2. Villa finished the month with a 0–0 draw against Sunderland at Villa Park.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, December
Villa produced a great result in their first game of December, by beating Southampton 2–3 at St Mary's. Southampton twice equalised after Villa had led through Gabriel Agbonlahor's first goal of the season and then a Libor Kozák header. Fabian Delph grabbed the winner ten minutes from time with a 25-yard strike, his first ever Premier League goal. However four days later Villa suffered only their second away defeat of the season, after a disappointing performance in an eventual 2–0 defeat against Fulham. On the same day, Villa drew Sheffield United in the third round of the FA Cup.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, December
Manchester United were the visitors in the next game, and they left Villa Park with all three points after a 0–3 victory. A brace from Danny Welbeck and a third from Tom Cleverley gave the champions their first win in four games. Villa then slipped to a third consecutive defeat as they were beaten 2–1 by Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. Charlie Adam and Peter Crouch scored either side of Libor Kozák's fourth of the season.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, December
The traditional Boxing Day fixture saw Villa face Crystal Palace at Villa Park and resulted in a fourth straight defeat for the Claret and Blues. The match looked as though it would end in stalemate, however Eagles' substitute Dwight Gayle fired in a 92nd-minute winner. Villa eventually stopped the rot with a 1–1 draw against Swansea City, in their last game of 2013. Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Villa an early lead but Roland Lamah equalised for the Swans before half-time, as it finished all square.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, January
Villa started the new year with victory over Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the only goal, repeating the outcome of the match the season before. However, Villa were then knocked out of the FA Cup by a lower league team for a second consecutive season. This time it was Sheffield United who condemned Villa to defeat, after winning 2–1 at Villa Park. The defeat came days after it was revealed that striker Libor Kozák would miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg in training.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, January
The next match saw the same result for Villa, as Arsenal ran out 2–1 winners at Villa Park. Arsenal all but wrapped up the win before half time, after two goals in a minute from Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud. Christian Benteke ensured a nervy end for Arsenal, with his first goal since September, but they held on for all three points. Villa earned a point at Anfield next, despite leading Liverpool 2–0 at one point.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, January
The Merseysiders equalised through goals from Daniel Sturridge and a Steven Gerrard penalty, after Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke had put Villa two goals to the good.Villa followed up their impressive performance against Liverpool, with a 4–3 win in a pulsating derby with West Bromwich Albion. Albion had gone 2–0 up in the first nine minutes but, just as atThe Hawthorns earlier in the season, Villa fought back to 2–2. Fabian Delph then put Villa into the lead with a wonder–strike, before Youssouf Mulumbu again drew the teams level before half-time. Christian Benteke then won and converted a penalty, his third goal in successive matches, which won it for Villa.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, January, Transfer summary
Villa made their first January signing on 14 January, when Grant Holt joined on loan from Wigan Athletic until the end of the season. Three days later Villa brought in a second player on loan, in left-back Ryan Bertrand from Chelsea.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, January, Transfer summary
Stephen Ireland left the club after three-and-a-half years, as his loan move to Stoke City was made permanent on 14 January. On 30 January, Nathan Delfouneso left the club on loan for the second time of the season, joining Coventry City.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, February
Villa could not continue their good form into their next match, as they went down 1–2 at Everton. Leandro Bacuna had given Villa the lead but the Toffees emerged victorious after goals from Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas. Villa then proceeded to lose their eighth league match at home, after a 0–2 defeat to West Ham United, courtesy of two goals in two minutes from Kevin Nolan. Another disappointing result followed as despite a number of clear-cut goalscoring opportunities, Villa had to settle for a 0–0 draw at Cardiff City. Villa then lost their last game of February, 1–0 against Newcastle United, meaning they only acquired one point from a possible 12 in the month. This left Villa just four points off the relegation places, despite them lying in 13th place.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, March
Villa somewhat made amends for their poor results in February, with a 4–1 home win against Norwich City in their first match of March. First half goals from Christian Benteke (2), Leandro Bacuna and an own goal from Sébastien Bassong gave Villa the victory, after Wes Hoolahan had given Norwich an early lead. Villa followed the victory with another, this time against league leaders Chelsea.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, March
Fabian Delph scored the only goal with a deft flick, in a match where Chelsea finished with nine men after having Willian and Ramires sent off, as well as manager José Mourinho being sent to the stands late on. The result also marked the first time in three-and-a-half years that Villa had won consecutive home games. However Villa's season-long inconsistency, especially at home, continued in their next match as they went down 1–4 to Stoke City.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, March
It looked as though Villa would continue where they left off in their last match, as Christian Benteke gave them the lead in the first five minutes. However three first half goals from Peter Odemwingie, Peter Crouch and Steven Nzonzi effectively ended the match as a contest, before Geoff Cameron ensured that Villa's home resurgence was abruptly ended. Villa lost by the same margin in their next match, this time against Manchester United. Ashley Westwood had scored a free-kick to give Villa an early lead but United had turned it around by half time, courtesy of two Wayne Rooney goals. In the second half, goals from Juan Mata and Javier Hernández condemned Villa to a consecutive 1–4 defeat.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, April
On 3 April, news broke that Christian Benteke would be out for "a minimum of six months" with a ruptured Achilles tendon injury. The injury, that occurred in training, will rule the Belgian out of the rest of Villa's season as well as the 2014 FIFA World Cup. It didn't get any better for Villa as their next match again ended in defeat at home, this time to bottom club Fulham. The visitors took the lead before Grant Holt equalised with his first goal for the club, however Hugo Rodallega gave Fulham a survival lifeline with an 86th-minute winner.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, April
A further loss followed, this time against Crystal Palace. A Jason Puncheon strike gave Palace a 1–0 victory and saw Villa lose their fourth game in a row, resulting in them being just four points above the relegation zone. Villa's poor run culminated in the suspensions of assistant manager Ian Culverhouse and head of football operations Gary Karsa, pending an internal investigation. Development team coach Gordon Cowans and veteran goalkeeper Shay Given were both promoted to interim co-assistant manager as a result.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, April
Villa eventually stopped the rot, as well as putting a nightmare week behind them, with a 0–0 draw against Southampton at Villa Park. The next match, however, saw Villa slump to defeat yet again, this time 4–1 at Swansea, leaving them still in the thick of a fourth consecutive relegation battle.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, May
Villa eventually ended their six match winless run on the back of beating Hull City 3–1. This result saw the club all but guarantee their Premier League safety, due to their far superior goal difference over Norwich, the team occupying the remaining relegation place. Ashley Westwood scored after 56 seconds and Andreas Weimann got a brace before half time, after Jordan Bowery had put through his own net. However Villa ended a miserable season with a whimper, after two heavy defeats in four days.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, May
Villa travelled to the Etihad Stadium on 7 May for their rescheduled game versus Manchester City in their penultimate match of the season. The eventual champions thrashed Villa 4–0, after the visitors had held out for an hour. Edin Džeko scored a brace before goals from Stevan Jovetić and Yaya Touré effectively wrapped up the title for City, who needed just a point from their final game against West Ham (which they won 2–0) to win the league. The season was wrapped up with a 3–0 defeat against Tottenham, which saw Villa finish in 15th place for the second season running.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Review, May
On 12 May 2014, chairman Randy Lerner released a statement confirming that the club was up for sale. In the statement, Lerner stated, "I have come to know well that fates are fickle in the business of English football. And I feel that I have pushed mine well past the limit." He also said that "the last several seasons have been week in, week out battles", and claimed that he "can see now that it is time, if possible, to hand these privileges and responsibilities to the next person or group to take the Club forward". This statement came after weeks of speculation about a possible decision to sell the club, after another statement from Lerner alluding to this at the end of April.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Players, Squad information
In the 2010–11 season, the Premier League introduced new rules on squad lists. The rules included a cap on the number of players at 25; players under the age of 21 on 1 January of the year in which the season starts are exempt from the list of 25. A "home-grown rule" also requires clubs to name at least eight players in their squad of 25 players that have been registered domestically for a minimum of three seasons prior to their 21st birthday.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Players, Squad information
Players under 21 do not need to be named and can still be used. Squad subject to change during summer transfer window.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Players, Squad number changes
The #19 was retired for this season as a tribute to former captain Stiliyan Petrov.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Club, Sponsorship
The club's two–year contract with Genting Casinos ended in the summer, meaning Villa would have a new main sponsor for the season. On 11 June 2013, the club announced that the new sponsor would be the Asian online betting website Dafabet and that the company's name would be featured on the new club's new kits.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Club, Sponsorship
Playing staff & managerial kits will again be provided by Italian sportswear manufacturer Macron.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Senior team, Fixtures and results, Pre-season
On 17 May 2013, the club announced it would be taking part in a pre-season tour of Germany as part of the preparations for the 2013–14 season. The tour saw Villa taking on three clubs in games between 10 and 14 July 2013 with each finishing in a 1–1 draw. Nicklas Helenius scored his first two goals for the club, in the matches against SV Rödinghausen and VfL Bochum and Andreas Weimann scored against SC Paderborn.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Senior team, Statistics, Overall
1 "Best result" is defined by goal difference between the two teams. How many goals Villa score and whether they keep a clean sheet affects which result is listed (when goal difference is the same e.g. 1–0 or 2–1). 2 "Worst result" is defined by goal difference between the two teams. How many goals Villa concede and how many they score affects which result is listed (when goal difference is the same e.g. 0–1 or 1–2).


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Senior team, Statistics, Appearances
Last updated: 12 May 2014Source: Squad stats and Start formations. Only competitive matches. Using the most used start formation. Ordered by position on pitch (from back right to front left). Includes Cup competitions as well (League Cup & FA Cup).


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Senior team, Statistics, Captains
Last updated: 12 May 2014Source: 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.


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Senior team, Statistics, Goalscorers
Correct as of 11 May 2014Players with the same number of goals are listed by their position on the club's official website   Players highlighted in light grey denote the player had scored for the club before leaving for another club  Players highlighted in light cyan denote the player has scored for the club after arriving at Aston Villa during the season  Players highlighted in Blonde denote the player has scored for the club before leaving the club on loan for part/the rest of the season


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Senior team, Statistics, Disciplinary record
Correct as of 11 May 2014 Players are listed in descending order of Players with the same number of cards are listed by their position on the club's official website   Players highlighted in light grey denote the player has received a yellow/red card for the club before leaving for another club  Players highlighted in light cyan denote the player has received a yellow/red card for the club after arriving at Aston Villa during the season  Players highlighted in Blonde denote the player has received a yellow/red card for the club before leaving the club on loan for part/the rest of the season


2013–14 Aston Villa F.C. season, Senior team, Statistics, Injuries
Players in bold are still out from their injuries. Players listed will/have miss(ed) at least one competitive game (missing from whole match day squad).


2013–14 Atalanta B.C. season
The 2013–14 season was Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio's 106th season in existence and the club's third consecutive season in the top flight of Italian football.


2013–14 Atalanta B.C. season, Statistics, Top scorers
This includes all competitive matches. The list is sorted by shirt number when total goals are equal.


2013–14 Athletic Bilbao season
The 2013–14 season was Athletic Bilbao's 115th in existence and the club's 83rd consecutive season in the top flight of Spanish football.


2013–14 Athletic Bilbao season
In addition to La Liga, Athletic Bilbao also competed in the Copa del Rey, being eliminated in the quarter-finals.


2013–14 Athletic Bilbao season, Players, From the youth system
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


2013–14 Athletic Bilbao season, Players, Transfers out
EU = if holds or not a European Union passport; Country: when 2 flags, 1st flag = country that plays for internationally, 2nd flag = country of birth; N = number on jersey; P = Position (for position name, pause mouse pointer on abbreviation); Name = Name on jersey (for more extensive name, pause mouse pointer on name); Age = age on the day of the signing; Moving from = only indicate the club the player was playing before start playing for this club in this season, for the type of the moving see Status column; Moving to = only indicates the club the player is going to play next, for the type of the moving see Status column; Ends = when the player's current contract ends; n/a = Not applicable.


2013–14 Athletic Bilbao season, Statistics, Squad statistics
The numbers and stats are established according to the official website:


2013–14 Atlanta Hawks season
The 2013–14 Atlanta Hawks season was the 64th season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the 46th in Atlanta.


2013–14 Atlantic 10 Conference men's basketball season
The 2013–14 Atlantic 10 Conference men's basketball season was the 38th season of Atlantic 10 Conference basketball. The season marked the first for new member, George Mason, following the sudden departure of Butler and Xavier. The 2014 Atlantic 10 Men's Basketball Tournament was held at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.


2013–14 Atlantic 10 Conference men's basketball season
The defending regular season and tournament champions were Saint Louis.


2013–14 Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball season
The 2013–14 ACC men's basketball season began with practices in October 2013, followed by the start of the 2013–14 NCAA Division I men's basketball season in November. Conference play started in early January 2014 and concluded in March with the 2014 ACC Men's Basketball Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro. The 2013–14 season marked the first season for three new additions to the conference from the Big East: Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse. It was also the final ACC season for conference charter member Maryland, which left after the season for the Big Ten Conference.


2013–14 Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball season, Conference schedules, Conference matrix
This table summarizes the head-to-head results between teams in conference play during the regular season. Records in parentheses are head-to-head results between teams in conference play during the regular season and in the post-season conference tournament.


2013–14 Atlantic Coast Conference men's basketball season, Player of the week
Throughout the conference regular season, the Atlantic Coast Conference offices named one or two players of the week and one or two freshmen of the week each Monday.


2013–14 Atlético Madrid season
The 2013–14 season was Atlético Madrid's 83rd season in the club's history and the club's 77th season in La Liga, the top league of Spanish football. Los Colchoneros were crowned champions for the 10th time, by drawing against Barcelona in the last league game.


2013–14 Atlético Madrid season
The Rojiblancos played against Real Madrid at the Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, in the 2014 UEFA Champions League Final on 24 May 2014, but lost 4–1 after extra time.


2013–14 Atlético Madrid season, Kits
Supplier: Nike / Main Sponsor: Azerbaijan / Back Sponsor: Kyocera


2013–14 Atlético Madrid season, Statistics, Top scorers
*Héctor currently plays for Atlético Madrid B, but was called up for second leg against UE Sant Andreu in the fourth round of the Copa del Rey. * *Total includes 4 own goals. Last updated: 30 April 2014Sources: Competitive matches only


2013–14 Atromitos F.C. season
The 2013–14 season of Atromitos F.C. is the 91st in the club's history and the second consecutive season that the club will be participating in the UEFA Europa League. It will also be the sixth consecutive season that the club will be competing in Super League Greece.


2013–14 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team
The 2013–14 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team represented Auburn University during the 2013–14 college basketball season. The team's head coach was Tony Barbee, in his fourth and final season at Auburn. The team played their home games at the Auburn Arena in Auburn, Alabama as a member of the Southeastern Conference.


2013–14 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, Season, Preseason
Head coach Tony Barbee announced the team's complete season schedule on August 30, 2013. The Tigers schedule to play three participants from the 2013 NCAA Tournament, Northwestern State, Iowa State, and Illinois. The Tigers also scheduled to play host to ACC teams Clemson and Boston College. The SEC schedule was highlighted by the Tigers playing host to Florida, Kentucky, and Tennessee, while visiting LSU and Alabama.


2013–14 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, Season, Preseason
The Tigers opened their season on October 28 with an exhibition game against NAIA opponent Victory. The fast-paced Tigers offense pulled out an easy victory, winning 109–67. Chris Denson led the Tigers with 21 points and highly touted freshman Tahj Shamsid-Deen scored 16 points in his first collegiate action. The Tigers finished off the preseason on November 1 by defeating Division II Paine College by a score of 99–64.


2013–14 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, Season, November
Auburn opened the regular season on November 8, hosting Nicholls State from the Southland Conference. KT Harrell, playing his first game as a Tiger after transferring from Virginia, led Auburn with 21 points to lead a 76–54 victory. The win snapped Auburn's ten game losing streak, dating back to the 2012–13 season. The Tigers welcomed their second straight Southland Conference opponent to Auburn Arena on November 15 as they hosted Northwestern State, a 2013 NCAA tournament participant. Auburn, led by Chris Denson's 29 points, jumped out to a nine-point halftime lead before the Demons exploded for 72 second-half points, leading to a 111–92 victory. Northwestern State, after going 0–17 in three point attempts in their season opener, shot 14–27 from beyond the arc.


2013–14 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, Season, November
Auburn closed out their five-game homestand by hosting three mid-major opponents in Jacksonville State, Murray State, and Tennessee State. The Gamecocks were the first to visit on November 19, falling to Auburn by a final score of 78–54. The Racers visited Auburn Arena on November 23 and fell to the Tigers by a score of 75–67 behind 23 points from Chris Denson. Lastly, Auburn faced the Tigers of Tennessee State, who entered the game winless at 0–6. Due to leading scorers KT Harrell and Chris Denson being in foul trouble, the Tigers struggled to pull away, but won thanks to the strength of freshman Tahj Shamsid-Deen, who had a career high 16 points in the 78–73 win.


2013–14 Auburn Tigers men's basketball team, Season, December
The Tigers visited Hilton Coliseum in Ames, Iowa, on December 2 to take on the #17 Iowa State Cyclones as part of the Big 12/SEC Challenge. Despite 27 points from Denson, Auburn's cold-shooting from the field (35%) and a career game from Iowa State's Dustin Hogue (22 points, 16 rebounds), allowed the Cyclones to improve to 6–0 with a 99–70 win. Following the loss, Auburn traveled to Atlanta to take on Illinois on a neutral court. The Tigers once again struggled to shoot and were down 41–17 at halftime, but mounted a small comeback and lost by a final score of 81–62.


2013–14 Auburn Tigers women's basketball team
The 2013–14 Auburn Tigers women's basketball team will represent Auburn University during the 2013–14 NCAA Division I women's basketball season. The Tigers, led by second year head coach Terri Williams-Flournoy, play their home games at Auburn Arena and are a members of the Southeastern Conference.


2013–14 Austin Peay Governors basketball team
The 2013–14 Austin Peay Governors basketball team represented Austin Peay State University during the 2013–14 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The Governors, led by 24th year head coach Dave Loos, played their home games at the Dunn Center and were members of the West Division of the Ohio Valley Conference. They finished the season 12–18, 6–10 in OVC play to finish in fifth place in the West Division. They failed to qualify for the Ohio Valley Tournament.


2013–14 Austin Peay Governors basketball team, Schedule
Peay Nation Sports Television Network (PNSTVN) airs across the state on Charter Channel 99, CDE Lightband Channel 9, and U-Verse 99.


2013–14 Australian Athletics Championships
The 2013–14 Australian Athletics Championships was the 92nd edition of the national championship in outdoor track and field for Australia. It was held from 3–6 April 2014 at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne. It served as a selection meeting for Australia at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The 10,000 metres event took place separately at the Zatopek 10K on 12 December 2013 at the same venue.


2013–14 Australian Baseball League season
The 2013–14 Australian Baseball League season was the fourth Australian Baseball League (ABL) season, and was held from 31 October 2013 to 8 February 2014. The season started with a game between the Melbourne Aces and the Canberra Cavalry at Narrabundah Ballpark in Canberra. The Perth Heat won their third title in four seasons defeating defending champions the Canberra Cavalry in the finals.


2013–14 Australian Baseball League season, Postseason
Three teams qualified for a two-round postseason. The highest placed team at the end of the regular season gained entry to and hosted the championship series. The other place was determined by a preliminary final series between the second and third placed teams, hosted by the second placed team.


2013–14 Australian Figure Skating Championships
The 2013–14 Australian Figure Skating Championships was held in Melbourne from 30 November through 6 December 2013. Skaters competed in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, ice dancing, and synchronized skating across many levels, including senior, junior, novice, intermediate, and primary divisions.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season
The summer of 2013–14 was at the time, the most destructive bushfire season in terms of property loss since the 2008–09 Australian bushfire season, with the loss of 371 houses and several hundred non-residential buildings as a result of wild fires between 1 June 2015 and 31 May 2016. The season also suffered 4 fatalities; 2 died in New South Wales, 1 in Western Australia and 1 in Victoria. One death was as a direct result of fire, 2 died due to unrelated health complications while fighting fires on their property, and a pilot contracted by the NSW Rural Fire Service died during an accident.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Climate summary and predictions
The season was predicted to have above average fire potential for most states including portions of the north west of Western Australia, the north west of the Northern Territory and large areas of central Queensland following below average rainfall and above average temperatures in these areas in the months leading up to the fire season. The year 2013 was the hottest on record in Australia, with the average temperature from September 2012 to August 2013 being calculated to be 22.9 °C (73 °F) which is 1.1 °C (1.6 °F) higher than the 1961 to 1990 average.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
During August and September a total 2,322 active fires were recorded across the state.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
On 9–10 September, 59 fires ignited around the western suburbs of Sydney during one of the earliest starts to a fire season in several years. A 150 ha (370 acres) fire in Marsden Park destroyed one house and several sheds. Three houses were damaged and a Western Sydney University campus was evacuated as a result of other fires burning near Castlereagh, Londonderry and Windsor Downs. Approximately 800 firefighters and 200 appliances attended the blazes; two firefighters were injured while combating the Marsden Park blaze and another five were treated for smoke inhalation.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
On 28 September, a fire ignited on Barrenjoey headland, destroying 60 percent of the scrub and forest on the headland and damaging the roof of the cottage attached to historic Barrenjoey Head Lighthouse and a second building in the lighthouse complex. Approximately 80 firefighters and three aircraft were required to bring the blaze under control by the following day. Communities around Taree were also threatened by fire on 28 September; several sheds and outbuildings were destroyed by a blaze that burned 1,674 ha (4,140 acres).


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
Another fire ignited in coal tailings from local mining operations near Ruttleys Rd., Doyalson, during September; the hot-spots were observed by the RFS several weeks before, but could not be extinguished before hot conditions on 17 October. The fire would eventually burn over 2,600 ha (6,400 acres) and impact property in Cams Wharf, Catherine Hill Bay, Lake Munmorah and Nords Wharf, destroying 4 houses and damaging a further 7. 63-year-old retiree Walter Linder died of a suspected heart-attack while defending his home during the fire.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
During October 2013, 1,162 fires were recorded in New South Wales, 19 of these being declared major incidents.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
On 13 October, a small grass fire burned through the car park of the Aquatic Centre at Sydney Olympic Park, near the Rural Fire Service Headquarters, destroying 47 cars and a motorbike and damaging a further 33. The evacuation plan of the Aquatic Centrewas employed and 500 to 1,500 people were safely moved away from danger by staff of the complex where the 2013 Buffalo Sports NSW All Schools Championships were taking place. On the same day, two houses were destroyed and another damaged by a 180 ha (440 acres) fire that ignited in the Webbs Creek area, west of Gosford.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
Three fires ignited around the Port Stephens area on 13 October, destroying a total of 4 houses, 9 industrial/commercial/primary production buildings, 24 outbuildings and eight vehicles over a 10-day period; a further 9 houses and 10 industrial/commercial/primary production buildings were significantly damaged, also. The first fire, near Fingal Bay, burned 184 ha (450 acres). The second fire, ignited by powerlines arcing in high winds near Brownes Rd. and Lemon Tree Passage Rd. in Salt Ash, burned 355 ha (880 acres) and destroyed four houses, a number of sheds, outbuildings, vehicles and boats.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
The third fire, which ignited near Hank St. in Heatherbrae, burned 5,642 ha (13,940 acres) and impacted on property in Raymond Terrace, Tomago and Williamtown on 17 October when driven by winds of 45 km/h (28 mph), gusting up to 70 km/h (43 mph). More than 500 residents registered for assistance at the King Park, Raymond Terrace bushfire evacuation centre during the Hank St. fire.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
On 16 October, a fire—later referred to as the State Mine fire—ignited on the grounds of the Marangaroo Army base during an explosives exercise. Firefighters were unable to combat the fire due to the danger of unexploded ordnance in the area and the presence of a no fly zone above the base. The blaze rapidly spread into rugged, largely inaccessible, country containing heavy fuel loads. Over a period of four weeks, the fire burned through 54,862 ha (135,570 acres) of scrub and forest, the majority in Wollemi and Blue Mountains National Parks.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
Significant damage was caused to the infrastructure of the historic Zig Zag Railway, estimated to have cost A$3–4 million; eleven engines and carriages and numerous structures for accommodation and administration were destroyed. A total of 5 houses were destroyed and one damaged across the fire ground—including 2 destroyed in Mount Wilson, some 20 km (12 mi) from the point of ignition—7 businesses and numerous sheds and vehicles were also destroyed in Bell, Clarence, Lithgow, Mount Irvine and other communities affected by the fires.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
The most destructive single bushfire in terms of property loss in the history of New South Wales ignited in the vicinity of Linksview Rd., Springwood, at about midday on 17 October. A total of 3,631 ha (8,970 acres) of forest and private property was burned during the 27-day duration of the fire, which destroyed 195 houses and damaged a further 146 buildings in the communities of Faulconbridge, Mount Riverview, Springwood, Winmalee and Yellow Rock.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
A significant amount of destruction occurred in the initial hours of the fire around Buena Vista Rd., Emma Pde., Heather Glen Rd., Moray St. and Purvines Rd. A number of houses were also destroyed in Paulwood Ave., close to St. Thomas Aquinas Primary School, which was evacuated to Winmalee Shopping Centre and destruction also occurred on Singles Ridge Rd., where the children of Rainbow Pre-School were evacuated and the playground was destroyed.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
Also on 17 October, two other significant fires ignited; one near Mt. York Rd. in Mount Victoria and another near Hall Rd. in Balmoral.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
Over 22-day period the 'Mt. York Rd.' fire burned 9,383 ha (23,190 acres) of scrub and forest, the majority within the boundaries of the Blue Mountains National Park. All property losses occurred on the first afternoon of the blaze; 10 houses were destroyed and a further 3 were damaged in St. George's Parade, Mount Victoria, and a number of smaller structures and vehicles were destroyed in other streets around the town. From 18–24 October, there was concern that the fire could enter the Grose Valley and impact on Katoomba and the lower Blue Mountains, however a 5 km (3.1 mi) containment line, constructed by specialized and experienced RFS Remote Areas Firefighting Teams in a narrow ravine, prevented the fire from entering.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
Over a 26-day period the 'Hall Rd.' fire burned 15,657 ha (38,690 acres) of forest within the Upper Nepean State Conservation Area and impacted the communities of Balmoral, Cordeaux-Dam and Yanderra; 2 houses were destroyed and another 2 were damaged. The fire had a significant effect on infrastructure, closing the Hume Motorway—creating a traffic jam reputed to have been 20 km (12 mi) in length—and disrupting electrical supply to the water filtration plant for the Upper Nepean Catchment, which services four dams of Sydney's Water Catchment. Also threatened were Cordeaux colliery, a gas pipeline and communications tower.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
On 24 October, a pilot contracted by the RFS died in a fixed-wing aircraft accident while fighting a fire in rugged terrain near Wirritin, approximately 40 km (25 mi) west of Ulladulla.


2013–14 Australian bushfire season, Fires by state or territory, New South Wales
On 17 January, at least 50 fires were ignited in New South Wales by lightning strikes. The most destructive of these blazes burned 8,000 ha (20,000 acres) in and around Murraguldrie State Forest and impacted upon the communities of Carabost, Humula, Kyeamba and Little Billabong over a period of days; 5 houses and a number of non-residential structures were destroyed. Significant damage was also caused to local forestry, costing about A$3 million to replace. In addition, a fire near Bathurst burned through 300 ha (740 acres) of pine forest and fires near Minjary claimed over 2,675 ha (6,610 acres) of scrubland.