2012–13 Aston Villa F.C. season

Aston Villa
2012–13 season
OwnerReform Acquisitions LLC
ChairmanRandy Lerner
ManagerPaul Lambert
StadiumVilla Park
Premier League15th
FA CupFourth round
League CupSemi-finals
Top goalscorerLeague: Christian Benteke (19)
All: Christian Benteke (23)
Highest home attendance42,084
(12 May 2013
vs Chelsea, Premier League)
Lowest home attendance15,319
(28 August 2012
vs Tranmere Rovers, League Cup)

The 2012–13 Premier League season was Aston Villa's 138th season in English football. It was the club's 102nd season in the top flight, and 25th consecutive season in the Premier League. The club was managed by Paul Lambert, their third manager in three seasons, after Alex McLeish was sacked on 14 May 2012, having himself only been in charge for 11 months and 4 days.[1][2] Lambert's first competitive match came on the opening day of the Premier League season on 18 August 2012, a 1–0 defeat to newly-promoted West Ham United at Upton Park.[3] Their first Premier League win came on 15 September 2012, a 2–0 victory against Swansea City at Villa Park.[4] Lambert was handed a one-match touchline ban on 21 November 2012 for comments relating to a penalty decision in Villa's defeat to Manchester City.[5] On his first return to Carrow Road, Lambert received a mixed reception from the Norwich fans on 11 December 2012 in a League Cup quarter-final which his Villa team won 4–1.[6]

On 23 December 2012, Villa were defeated 8–0 against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the club's heaviest ever defeat in top-flight football.[7] This was followed by consecutive home defeats, with Villa losing 4–0 to Tottenham Hotspur and 3–0 to Wigan Athletic, leading to increased pressure on Lambert's position.[8][9] On 22 January 2013, Villa played Bradford City in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final at Villa Park, having lost the first round tie 3–1 at Valley Parade. The final score on the night was a 2–1 win for Villa, leaving an aggregate score of 4–3 to Bradford.[10] Lambert kept his job despite the poor run as the team flirted with the relegation places continuously over the next few months. Lambert did however manage to get Villa to record back-to-back wins for the first time since May 2011, as they defeated fellow relegation rivals Reading and Queens Park Rangers.[11][12] He then oversaw the club's biggest victory since 2008, as Villa thrashed Sunderland 6–1.[13]

Villa finished 15th with the youngest starting eleven in the Premier League, leading to praise from pundit Alan Hansen, who said that Lambert was "a contender for "Manager of the Season."[14] Highlights of the season included Lambert's summer acquisition of star striker Christian Benteke, the introduction of Villa's Player of the Season, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup and securing Villa's place in the Premier League for the 2013–14 season.[14] An under-21 Aston Villa team competed in the new Professional Development League 1 that replaced the Premier Reserve League.[15] The under-19 Aston Villa team once again took part in the NextGen Series, after competing in the inaugural season and reaching the quarter finals.[16] The team went all the way to win the competition to become only the second team to be crowned NextGen champions.[17][18]

Review

Pre-season

Brett Holman's transfer was announced in mid-March 2012.

The club began making plans for pre-season as early as 12 March 2012, when the free transfer of Australian Brett Holman was announced, with the player officially joining on 1 July after his deal with former club AZ expired.[19] Later that month, the club announced a pre-season tour of the United States that would see them travelling to Chicago, Philadelphia and Portland.[20] Following the conclusion of the previous season, Alex McLeish was sacked as manager on 14 May 2012 as a direct result – after Villa finished 16th in the league.[1] Managerless Villa then released a number of players on 23 May 2012 after their contracts had expired. First team players released included Carlos Cuéllar, Emile Heskey and Brad Guzan, as well as a host of academy players.[21] Villa hired Paul Lambert as their new manager on 2 June 2012, after the manager had impressed during his three-year spell at Norwich City.[2] The move was endorsed by players and fans alike who, after the disappointing previous season, saw this as a major positive step for the club.[22][23] Lambert set about making the job his, by appointing his two trusted allies: Ian Culverhouse, who became the new Villa Assistant Manager, and Gary Karsa, who was given a new role of "head of football operations" from old club Norwich as they were deemed surplus to requirements by Lambert's replacement, Chris Hughton.[24] Long-time staff member Kevin MacDonald, who had been with the club since 1995 in a number of roles, most recently as reserve team manager but former caretaker manager in 2010, left the club on 9 June 2012. On his departure, MacDonald stated, "I've had an incredible 17 years at Aston Villa, one of the biggest clubs in the country, and wish to thank all the staff and players I have worked with during my time at the club. I wish Aston Villa every success in the future."[25]

Ron Vlaar – Villa's fourth signing of the summer and new captain for the season.

Lambert made his first signing a month into his reign (2 July) at Villa, when he signed Moroccan midfielder Karim El Ahmadi from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £2 million. El Ahmadi stated before his arrival that joining the club, and playing in the Premier League, would be a "dream come true" and that he was looking forward to "dictating games" for Villa.[26][27] Four days later (6 July), Lambert made his second summer signing when young defender Matthew Lowton joined for an undisclosed fee, reported to be £3 million from Sheffield United[28] Following his move to Villa, Lowton stated that he hoped to emulate former Sheffield United player Phil Jagielka in reaching the England squad.[29] The new manager announced on 16 July that the club would be re-signing Brad Guzan on a three-year deal, after he was previously released in May.[30] Lambert later stated that he had re-signed Guzan so that he could challenge Shay Given for the number one spot, and Guzan backed this up by declaring he had not returned to sit on the bench.[31] 1 August 2012 saw two transfers at the club – one in, one out – as James Collins returned to his former club West Ham United for £2.5 million, to pave the way for Villa to recruit central defender Ron Vlaar from Feyenoord – the second player of the summer to join Villa from the Rotterdam club (after El Ahmadi) and the third from the Eredivisie (after El Ahmadi and Holman). The club again announced the transfer as an undisclosed fee but the media reported the deal to be worth about £3 million. Vlaar immediately declared his ambition to become a Villa great and aimed to become a club legend in central defence, just as Paul McGrath and Martin Laursen had done so previously.[32][33] It was announced that Darren Bent would become Villa's new club captain whilst Stiliyan Petrov was absent, recovering from acute leukaemia.[34]

Villa's schedule saw them kick off their pre-season at Burton Albion on 14 July, with the Villans winning 2–1 thanks to an own goal and a debut goal for Brett Holman.[35] The Villa squad then made their way to the US for their tour with matches against Philadelphia Union, Chicago Fire and Portland Timbers. The first two games resulted in 1–0 victories for Villa, with Nathan Delfouneso and Gabriel Agbonlahor getting the goals against Philadelphia and Chicago respectively.[36] [37] The final game turned out to be a dramatic 2–2 draw with the Villa goals scored by defenders Ciaran Clark and new boy Matthew Lowton, who chalked up his first goal for the Claret and Blues. Ironically, both Villa goals came from set pieces, a feat Villa failed to achieve in the entirety of the last season. The Timbers equalised twice with goals from Sebastián Rincón and Rodney Wallace, which sent the game into a penalty shootout (a tradition for pre-season games in the U.S.). Villa eventually ran out winners after a tense 5–4 shootout win.[38] The squad returned to England after staying undefeated in their tour and played their next friendly six days later against Peterborough United. The club continued their unbeaten pre-season record by recording a 2–0 win, courtesy of goals from youngster Daniel Johnson and a second goal for the club for Brett Holman.[39] Lambert and his new look Villa side eventually suffered defeat in the next match, a 1–3 defeat by Nottingham Forest. Barry Bannan's free kick, which levelled the scores at 1–1, was not enough for the Villa after two goals from Lewis McGugan and a killer third from Marcus Tudgay sealed victory for the Championship side.[40] The last fixture in their pre-season schedule saw Villa travel to Germany for a friendly against four-time Bundesliga champions Werder Bremen. The match was the final chance for Lambert to test out his new squad and hopefully decide his starting line up for the opening fixture against West Ham a week later. An exhilarating match that brought six goals in a 3–3 draw saw Villa lose the lead twice after initially being 1–0 down and Darren Bent grabbing a brace. Ciaran Clark scored his second goal of pre-season with Niclas Füllkrug, Eljero Elia and Aaron Hunt getting the goals for Bremen. Lambert said after that the brace for Bent would fill him with confidence ahead of the upcoming season.[41][42]

August

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
August 3 1 0 2 4 4 0 Progression to League Cup third round

The Premier League fixture list was announced on 18 June 2012 and it gave Villa an away tie against newly promoted West Ham United to open the new season. There were no meetings between the two clubs last season as West Ham were consigned to the Championship, but ironically this was the opening fixture for Villa in the 2010–11 season which resulted in a 0–3 victory in Villa's favour, in which James Milner scored his last goal in his final appearance for the Villans before his move to Manchester City.[43][44][45] The League Cup second round draw also took place in August with Villa being handed a home tie versus League One side Tranmere Rovers to be played on 28 August.[46][47][48] Villa's first league game of the new season ended in defeat as they went down 0–1 to West Ham, courtesy of a Kevin Nolan strike, at Upton Park.[49][50] On 24 August, the club were dealt a massive blow when promising young midfielder Gary Gardner was ruled out for the entire season with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee. This was his second ACL injury after previously injuring his left knee, in December 2009.[51] The same day, Jean Makoun completed a long-awaited loan move to French Ligue 1 club Rennes. After experiencing supposed work permit issues making him unable to take any part as a player of Aston Villa, Paul Lambert admitted he had never even met the player and that he was not part of his plans.[52][53][54][55] A day later, Villa lost their second league game of the season 1–3 to Everton. Goals from Steven Pienaar, Marouane Fellaini and Nikica Jelavić gave the Toffees a 0–3 half-time lead, before Ciaran Clark was sent off for Villa after fouling Jelavić, who at the time was the last man. Karim El Ahmadi scored from 30 yards, his first for Villa, but ultimately it was just a consolation.[56][57] Villa and Lambert's first win of the new season came in the League Cup against Tranmere Rovers. Goals from Fabian Delph, Chris Herd and a first competitive goal since February 2012 for Darren Bent sealed a 3–0 victory for the Villans.[58][59] The following day, Villa signed England under-21 left back Joe Bennett from Middlesbrough on a four-year deal, for a fee rumoured to be between £2.5 and 4 million. Upon his arrival, Bennett stated, "I am really excited to have joined a massive club in Aston Villa and I'm eager to fight for a starting place and get in the team."[60][61] On 30 August, Villa drew Manchester City in the third round of the League Cup. The match took place on 25 September at the Etihad Stadium.[62][63][64]

Ashley Westwood

A busy summer transfer deadline day 2012, saw Villa sign three new players: midfielder Ashley Westwood signed from Crewe Alexandra on a four-year deal, and strikers Christian Benteke from K.R.C Genk and Jordan Bowery from Chesterfield. Bowery signed a three-year deal and cost the club a rumored £500,000 with the fee rising to £1 million with add ons. Benteke signed a four-year deal for a fee believed to be £7 million, making him the most expensive transfer of the window for Villa .[65][66] Earlier in the day, a £7 million bid was also accepted by Fulham for American forward Clint Dempsey, but the player ultimately rejected the deal as he favoured a move to Liverpool. The move to Liverpool later fell through and the player eventually joined Tottenham Hotspur.[67] One player also departed the club, as Nathan Delfouneso joined Blackpool on a season-long loan.[68][69]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
17 Norwich City 2 0 1 1 1 6 −5 1
18 Queens Park Rangers 2 0 1 1 1 6 −5 1 2013–14 Football League Championship
19 Southampton 2 0 0 2 2 5 −3 0
20 Aston Villa 2 0 0 2 1 4 −3 0
Updated to match(es) played on 26 August 2012. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

September

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
September 5 2 2 1 9 8 5 Progression to League Cup fourth round

Villa earned their first point of the season in the next game, after drawing 1–1 with Newcastle United at the Sports Direct Arena. Ciaran Clark's first half goal was cancelled out by a wonder strike from Hatem Ben Arfa and Villa's performance was reported to be much improved after the Everton game. The draw also lifted Villa off the bottom of the table and out of the relegation zone, at this early stage.[70][71] The club's first league win of the season and first in 13 league matches came two weeks later, after the international break, as they beat Swansea City 2–0 at Villa Park – a reverse score of the fixture last season. A first competitive goal for the club for Matthew Lowton, a swerving volley, and a goal on his debut for substitute Christian Benteke wrapped up the points for Villa. Ron Vlaar was named captain for the match, replacing Darren Bent, who had captained the side in the previous matches.[72][73][74] On 21 September, Stephen Warnock joined Bolton Wanderers on a three-month loan. The left back had not made a competitive appearance beforehand after falling out of favour with the new manager.[75][76] The following day (22 September), Villa suffered a shock defeat at the hands of newly promoted and bottom of the table Southampton, going down 1–4 at St Mary's. Villa took the lead through Darren Bent's first league goal of the season in the first half. However, goals from Nathaniel Clyne, a Ciaran Clark own goal and a brace, including a penalty, for Rickie Lambert saw the South Coast club emphatically earn their first points of the season. Ron Vlaar was again named Villa captain, leading it to be believed that he had replaced Darren Bent as team captain.[77][78] Villa didn't let this result affect their next performance however, as they recorded a shock 2–4 victory against champions Manchester City in the League Cup on 25 September. Villa twice came back after being behind, first being 1–0 down and then 2–1 down. Mario Balotelli gave City a half time lead but a Gareth Barry own goal against his former club put Villa level. Aleksandar Kolarov scored a trademark free kick, before Gabriel Agbonlahor scored his first goal of the season to send the tie into extra time. Charles N'Zogbia netted Villa's third after Agbonlahor's shot was parried by Costel Pantilimon before Agbonlahor grabbed his second and Villa's fourth, courtesy of a deflection, sending them through to the next round.[79][80] Villa's reward for defeating City was a potentially tricky away tie to League One side Swindon Town, managed by former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio, to be played on 30 October.[81][82][83] Villa's final game of the month was a highly anticipated West Midlands derby against early high flyers West Bromwich Albion, which ended 1–1. Each team wanted to show the other that they were the top team in the West Midlands, and Villa went about setting the Baggies straight with a dominant first half performance. However, it was West Brom who took the lead early in the second half, as James Morrison beat an attempted offside trap and crossed a low ball towards Shane Long, before Villa captain Ron Vlaar's attempted clearance hit Long's foot and rolled past Brad Guzan. Villa equalised through substitute Darren Bent in the 80th minute, after he coolly put in the rebound following a goal mouth scramble from a corner. The draw saw Villa register their worst ever start to a Premier League season, with only five points from six games.[84][85][86]

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
13 Sunderland 5 1 4 0 5 4 +1 7
14 Liverpool 6 1 2 3 9 12 −3 5
15 Aston Villa 6 1 2 3 6 10 −4 5
16 Wigan Athletic 6 1 1 4 5 11 −6 4
17 Southampton 6 1 0 5 10 18 −8 3
Updated to match(es) played on 30 September 2012. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

October

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
October 4 1 1 2 4 6 1 Progression to League Cup quarter-finals

The team began the month with a trip to north London to play Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. The match finished 2–0 to Spurs, with goals from Steven Caulker and Aaron Lennon condemning Villa to their fourth loss and continued their poor start to the season.[87][88] After a two-week international break, Villa returned to league action on 20 October against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Villa continued their worst start to a season in 26 years by losing their fifth game, as a late Chris Baird goal gave Fulham a 1–0 win. This loss left Villa one place and one point above the relegation zone.[89][90] On 23 October, promising youngster Daniel Johnson joined League One outfit Yeovil Town on a month's loan.[91][92] The next match saw Lambert face his old club Norwich City for the first time since leaving them to join Villa in the summer. The match ended 1–1 after Christian Benteke gave Villa the lead, but Norwich replied through Michael Turner, ten minutes from time. Joe Bennett was sent off for Villa after receiving two yellow cards, with Villa leading 1–0. This result meant that Villa did not win a league match in October and had still won only one so far this season.[93][94] However, Villa continued to excel in the League Cup as they knocked out Swindon Town, to advance. The match finished 3–2 to Villa but it took a 90th-minute winner from Christian Benteke to see Villa book their place in the quarter-finals. Villa had led 2–0, after goals from Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor, and looked to be easing to a win before Swindon managed to level the score with two quickfire goals from 18-year-old substitute Miles Storey. However, Benteke's late winner sent Villa through and made sure of their only win in October.[95][96] The draw for the quarter-finals was made the following day, with Villa getting an away tie at Paul Lambert's former club Norwich to be played on 11 December.[97][98][99]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
15 Wigan Athletic 9 2 2 5 10 15 −5 8
16 Norwich City 9 1 4 4 7 18 −11 7
17 Aston Villa 9 1 3 5 7 14 −7 6
18 Reading 8 0 4 4 11 17 −6 4 2013–14 Football League Championship
19 Southampton 9 1 1 7 14 26 −12 4
Updated to match(es) played on 27 October 2012. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

November

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
November 5 2 1 2 4 7 7

The month started with a victory for Villa as they ran out 1–0 winners against Sunderland, managed by former manager Martin O'Neill, at the Stadium of Light. Gabriel Agbonlahor scored the only goal of the game, his first in the league for 12 months, as Villa recorded their first away win since January.[100][101] Villa hosted Manchester United in the next game, and roared into an unexpected 2–0 lead thanks to two goals from Andreas Weimann, his first goals of the season. However, two goals from substitute Javier Hernández and an own goal from Ron Vlaar gave United a 2–3 victory at Villa Park.[102][103] The spirited performance the players showed in the last game (despite the loss) was soon forgotten as Villa were taught a lesson in their next match against the champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. City thrashed Villa 5–0 with braces each for Sergio Agüero and Carlos Tevez, which included a highly controversial penalty and a goal from David Silva. The result meant they dropped down into the relegation places.[104][105] On 22 November, Alan Hutton joined Nottingham Forest on an emergency loan until 1 January. The right-back had not made a single appearance this season and had been banished from first team training, having been made to train with the reserve squad all season.[106][107] The club ended a trio of matches against former Premier League champions with a home tie against Arsenal. The match was a stalemate finishing 0–0, with Villa earning a valuable point to go a point ahead of fellow strugglers Reading, before their vital relegation scrap three days later (27 November).[108][109] The month finished the way it started for Villa as they grabbed a much needed win, as well as a clean sheet, against Reading. The match ended 1–0 courtesy of a late Christian Benteke header. This result, coupled with Southampton's draw with Norwich, meant Villa entered December outside of the relegation places.[110][111]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
15 Wigan Athletic 14 4 2 8 15 25 −10 14
16 Sunderland 13 2 7 4 12 16 −4 13
17 Aston Villa 14 3 4 7 11 22 −11 13
18 Southampton 14 3 3 8 21 31 −10 12 2013–14 Football League Championship
19 Reading 13 1 6 6 16 23 −7 9
Updated to match(es) played on 28 November 2012. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

December

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
December 7 2 2 3 8 18 5 Progression to League Cup semi-finals

December started with an away match against a winless Queens Park Rangers team, rooted to the bottom of the table. Brett Holman gave Villa the lead within the first ten minutes with his first goal for the club. Jamie Mackie equalised for Rangers ten minutes later and the score stayed that way until the end, finishing 1–1.[112][113] The draw for the third round of the FA Cup was made the next day (2 December), with Villa getting a home tie against Championship side Ipswich Town. The match was to be played on 5 January 2013.[114][115][116] Another draw followed the QPR game, as Villa drew 0–0 versus clean sheet specialists Stoke City at Villa Park. Darren Bent made his return for Villa, coming on as a substitute, having not played since 30 October.[117][118] Villa's next match came in the form of a League Cup quarter-final against Paul Lambert's former club Norwich City. Much was made of Lambert's first return to Carrow Road, made even more intense by the reported lawsuits being filed between both parties. The Villa team made it a very happy return for Lambert, running out 1–4 winners against the Canaries. Andreas Weimann grabbed his second brace of the season and goals from Brett Holman and Christian Benteke booked Villa's place in the semi-finals for the second time in four seasons.[119][120] This result filled the young Villa team with massive confidence going into their next game against Liverpool at Anfield, where they gained only their second away win of the season with a 1–3 success. A brace from Christian Benteke and a third from Andreas Weimann meant Villa had led 0–3 before Steven Gerrard scored a late consolation for the Reds. The result extended Villa's unbeaten run to six games in all competitions and lifted them up to 14th in the Premier League, their highest position since 22 September.[121][122] The draw for the semi-finals of the League cup was made on 19 December, eight days after Villa had booked their place, following the Leeds United/Chelsea quarter-final. Villa will play Bradford City over two legs, the first being played away at Valley Parade on 8 January 2013, with the second at Villa Park on 22 January 2013.[123][124][125] Villa's unbeaten run came to a shuddering halt in the last game before Christmas as the team went down 8–0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, their heaviest ever defeat in the Premier League.[126][127] Villa's Christmas misery continued into the next game after they were beaten 0–4 by Tottenham Hotspur. The first goal was scored by Jermain Defoe, before Gareth Bale got his first Premier League hat-trick to seal a convincing win for Spurs.[128][129] Villa's festive period nightmare continued further as they lost their third game in a row against fellow strugglers Wigan Athletic, 0–3. An early goal from defender Iván Ramis and second half goals from Emerson Boyce and Arouna Koné sent Wigan above Villa in the table. Villa finished the 2012 calendar year in 17th place, only one point off the relegation places but with a much inferior goal difference than their rivals after conceding 15 goals in the three festive period games.[130][131]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
15 Newcastle United 20 5 5 10 26 37 −11 20
16 Wigan Athletic 20 5 3 12 22 35 −13 18
17 Aston Villa 20 4 6 10 15 39 −24 18
18 Southampton 19 4 5 10 26 37 −11 17 2013–14 Football League Championship
19 Reading 20 2 7 11 22 37 −15 13
Updated to match(es) played on 29 December 2012. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

January

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
January 8 2 2 4 11 13 2 Eliminated from League Cup
Eliminated from FA Cup

Villa began 2013 with a 2–2 draw against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. Wayne Routledge gave the Swans an early lead, before an Andreas Weimann strike on the stroke of half-time brought Villa level. Villa looked to have snatched a vital win, when they earned an 84th-minute penalty (their first in almost a year) which was converted by Christian Benteke. However, a stoppage time equalizer from Danny Graham made sure the points were shared.[132][133] The club gained their first win of the new year, as they beat Ipswich Town 2–1 in the FA Cup on 5 January. Villa had to come from behind however, as Michael Chopra's deflected shot gave Ipswich a half time lead. Darren Bent equalized immediately after the break with a goal against his former club and
Andreas Weimann booked Villa's place in the fourth round with an 83rd-minute winner.[134][135] Villa were then drawn to face Millwall at The Den in the fourth round of the FA Cup to be played on 25 January.[136][137][138] The first leg of the League Cup semi-final against Bradford City was next for Villa three days later. The match did not go the way Villa would have thought, wanted or hoped for though as they lost 1–3 to the Bantams at Valley Parade. Bradford took the lead early in the first half as Nahki Wells beat the offside trap to finish neatly past Shay Given after a deflected shot. Matt Duke made a series of inspired saves throughout both halves keeping Villa at bay, before Rory McArdle put Bradford 2–0 up in the 77th minute. Villa pulled a goal back five minutes later through Andreas Weimann, but Bradford regained their two-goal advantage when Carl McHugh fired a header past Given to give Bradford a shock victory and leave Villa with all the work to do in the second leg to reach the final.[139][140] Villa's League Cup hangover continued as they were beaten 0–1 by fellow strugglers Southampton in a must win six-pointer. Rickie Lambert converted a highly controversial penalty won by Jay Rodriguez, who looked to have gone done with no contact under the challenge of Enda Stevens. This result meant Southampton leapfrogged Villa, who dropped back into the relegation places for the first time since November.[141][142] The team then competed in a local derby against West Bromwich Albion, where they threw away a two-goal lead to draw 2–2. Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Villa a half time lead but Chris Brunt pulled a goal back immediately after the break for the Baggies. They continued to attack, controlling the game, and eventually Peter Odemwingie equalized meaning the points were shared.[143][144] Villa's misery then continued, as the team was knocked out of the League Cup by fourth-tier Bradford City. After losing 1–3 in the first leg, Villa had to win by two clear goals to take the tie to extra-time. However, they could only manage a 2–1 victory (3–4 on aggregate) and exited the competition as a result.[145][146] Yet more gloom and doom followed as the team were knocked out of a second cup in four days. after losing 1–2 against Millwall in the FA Cup. Darren Bent gave Villa the lead but Danny Shittu equalized five minutes later for the hosts, with Villa conceding from yet another corner. Just as a replay looked on the cards, John Marquis grabbed the winner for the Championship outfit, to send them through and pile even more pressure onto the extremely fragile Villa team and manager Paul Lambert.[147][148] Villa's awful January was compounded in their last game of the month, against Newcastle United. Newcastle raced into a 2–0 half time lead after goals from Papiss Cissé and Yohan Cabaye but Christian Benteke pulled a goal back for Villa early in the second half from the penalty spot. However, it was not enough as the Toon held on for the win, despite a major Villa fightback. This result was Villa's fourth home defeat in a row.[149][150]

Deadline day saw Villa make their only transfers of the January transfer window, as they signed defensive midfielder Yacouba Sylla from Ligue 2 side Clermont Foot as well as Simon Dawkins on loan from Tottenham Hotspur.[151][152][153][154] Both players continued Paul Lambert's system of buying inexperienced, cheap players as opposed to the experienced players Villa desperately required. Lambert later stated that he just did not have the money to buy big names, pay high wages and compete with their rivals, with some sources stating the kitty to be as low as
£3 million.[155]

Stephen Warnock left Villa to join Leeds United, having not made an appearance all season, after three years at the club.[156][157] Alan Hutton had also left, as he joined Spanish side Mallorca on 29 January on loan until the end of the season.[158][159]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
17 Reading 24 4 8 12 30 45 −15 20
18 Wigan Athletic 24 5 5 14 27 45 −18 20 2013–14 Football League Championship
19 Aston Villa 24 4 8 12 20 46 −26 20
20 Queens Park Rangers 24 2 10 12 18 37 −19 16
Updated to match(es) played on 29 January 2013. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

February

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
February 3 1 1 1 6 6 4

February started with a mixed result for Villa as they drew 3–3 with high-flying Everton. On one hand, Villa picked up a vital and unexpected point however they had led 3–1 at one point, after goals from Christian Benteke (2) and Gabriel Agbonlahor. They then conceded another goal and a stoppage time equaliser as Marouane Fellaini made sure the points were shared. This result kept Villa second from bottom in the Premier League.[160][161] Villa finally ended their eight-game winless run, as well as four home defeats in a row with a 2–1 victory over West Ham United at Villa Park. A lackluster first half saw few chances for either side, with the only one of note seeing Andreas Weimann shoot wide from six yards after Jussi Jääskeläinen had spilled a Christian Benteke shot. Benteke then scored a penalty to give Villa a 74th-minute lead, before Charles N'Zogbia, who had himself won the penalty, scored a sublime free kick four minutes later. An Ashley Westwood own goal made for a nervy last few minutes but Villa held on for a precious three points, to move out of the relegation zone.[162][163] Despite the brilliant win against West Ham, Villa lost their last game of the month against Arsenal 2–1 after a late winner from Santi Cazorla, leaving them in 18th place at the end of February.[164][165]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
16 Southampton 27 6 9 12 38 49 −11 27
17 Wigan Athletic 27 6 6 15 33 51 −18 24
18 Aston Villa 27 5 9 13 26 52 −26 24 2013–14 Football League Championship
19 Reading 27 5 8 14 33 51 −18 23
20 Queens Park Rangers 27 2 11 14 19 43 −24 17
Updated to match(es) played on 23 February 2013. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

March

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
March 4 2 0 2 6 6 6

Villa started March as they had ended February with defeat by one of the higher ranking sides, losing 0–1 to Manchester City at Villa Park. A Ciaran Clark slip in his own half eventually led to Carlos Tevez grabbing the winner for City.[166][167] However, Villa then won back to back matches in the Premier League for the first time since May 2011, after beating two major relegation rivals in Reading and Queens Park Rangers. The Reading game marked the first time in the season that Villa had come from behind to win, eventually winning 1–2.[168][169] They then managed to achieve this feat again when they defeated QPR who had led 0–1. The match eventually finished 3–2 to Villa, temporarily putting a six-point gap between themselves and the relegation zone.[170][171] The next match, however, saw Villa's mini revival come to an end as they were defeated 1–2 by Liverpool at Villa Park, seeing them again slip into the relegation zone on goal difference.[172][173]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
16 Sunderland 31 7 10 14 33 43 −10 31
17 Wigan Athletic 30 8 6 16 36 56 −20 30
18 Aston Villa 31 7 9 15 32 58 −26 30 2013–14 Football League Championship
19 Queens Park Rangers 31 4 11 16 28 51 −23 23
20 Reading 31 5 8 18 36 61 −25 23
Updated to match(es) played on 31 March 2013. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

April

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
April 4 2 1 1 10 6 7

Villa started April perfectly, with a 1–3 away victory over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium. Gabriel Agbonlahor gave Villa an early lead that lasted until the 80th minute when Michael Kightly equalised for Stoke. However, a spectacular volley from Matthew Lowton put Villa back in front with less than five minutes to go. From 30 yards out, Lowton chested down a clearance from a corner and sweetly struck the ball past goalkeeper Asmir Begović. Christian Benteke then skipped through the Stoke defence and slid the ball into the back of the net to wrap up the points for Villa, as well as the third win in their last four games.[174][175] Villa drew 1–1 in their next game against Fulham, with Charles N'Zogbia giving Villa the lead but a Fabian Delph own goal meant the points were shared.[176][177] Villa then faced Manchester United, with United being crowned champions if they won. They did so, 3–0, after Robin van Persie scored a hat-trick within the first 33 minutes of the game.[178][179] Villa's final game of the month saw them thrash Sunderland 6–1 at Villa Park, giving them their best result of the season and of Paul Lambert's reign. The result was also Villa's biggest home win in 17 years and the first time they had scored six in a match since the 2007–08 season. Christian Benteke scored his first hat-trick for Villa, becoming the first player to do so in five years, which meant he both exceeded Dwight Yorke's record of 17 Premier League goals in a season and became the first Villa player to reach 20 goals in a season in nine years.
Gabriel Agbonlahor also scored, making him Villa's highest Premier League goalscorer with 61 goals. Captain Ron Vlaar, with his first goal for the club, and Andreas Weimann wrapped up a memorable night for Villa as they went five points clear of the drop zone and above Newcastle United on goal difference, after an 11-goal swing.[180][181][182]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Relegation
14 Norwich City 35 8 14 13 33 54 −21 38
15 Sunderland 35 9 10 16 39 51 −12 37
16 Aston Villa 35 9 10 16 42 64 −22 37
17 Newcastle United 35 10 7 18 43 66 −23 37
18 Wigan Athletic 34 8 8 18 39 62 −23 32 2013–14 Football League Championship
Updated to match(es) played on 29 April 2013. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

May

Month Games Won Drew Lost Scored Conceded Points Other
May 3 1 1 1 5 5 4

The first game of the month saw Villa continue their good form by beating Norwich City 1–2 at Carrow Road to send them up to 13th in the table as well as to the 40-point mark.
Gabriel Agbonlahor scored both of Villa's goals, including the 89th-minute winner, either side of a Grant Holt penalty.[183][184] On 9 May, club captain Stiliyan Petrov announced his retirement from football after battling acute leukaemia for over a year. Villa added Petrov to the club's hall of fame, an honour only 12 other players have received.[185][186] Villa lost their last home game of the season 1–2 against Chelsea. Both teams had a man sent off, Ramires for Chelsea and Villa's goalscorer Christian Benteke. Frank Lampard became Chelsea all-time top scorer as he scored both of their goals.[187][188] Villa's final game of the season came against Wigan Athletic. Wigan had been relegated mid-week after defeat by Arsenal which confirmed Villa's safety. The match itself finished 2–2, with Villa's goals coming from Darren Bent and Ron Vlaar in either half. Villa finished the season in 15th place, five points clear of relegation.[189][190]


Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
13 Stoke City 38 9 15 14 34 45 −11 42
14 Southampton 38 9 14 15 49 60 −11 41
15 Aston Villa 38 10 11 17 47 69 −22 41
16 Newcastle United 38 11 8 19 45 68 −23 41
17 Sunderland 38 9 12 17 41 54 −13 39
Updated to match(es) played on 19 May 2013. Source: Barclays Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.

Key events

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.[196][197][198]

Players under 21 do not need to be named and can still be used. Squad subject to change during summer transfer window.

First team squad

Last updated on 19 May 2013
Squad No. Name Nationality Position Date of birth (age) Signed from Signed in Contract ends Apps. Goals Notes
Goalkeepers
1 Shay Given Republic of Ireland GK (1976-04-20) 20 April 1976 (age 48) Manchester City 2011 2016 43 0
22 Brad Guzan United States GK (1984-09-09) 9 September 1984 (age 40) Chivas USA 2012 2015 56 0 Re-signed this season.1
33 Andy Marshall England GK (1975-04-14) 14 April 1975 (age 49) Coventry City 2010 2013 0 0
39 Benjamin Siegrist Switzerland GK (1992-01-31) 31 January 1992 (age 32) Aston Villa Academy 2012 2014 0 0
Defenders
2 Alan Hutton Scotland DF (1984-11-30) 30 November 1984 (age 40) Tottenham Hotspur 2011 2015 34 0 On loan at RCD Mallorca
4 Ron Vlaar Netherlands DF (1985-02-16) 16 February 1985 (age 39) Feyenoord 2012 2015 30 2
5 Richard Dunne Republic of Ireland DF (1979-09-21) 21 September 1979 (age 45) Manchester City 2009 2013 111 4 Team captain.2
6 Ciaran Clark Republic of Ireland DF (1989-09-26) 26 September 1989 (age 35) Aston Villa Academy 2009 2014 79 5
27 Joe Bennett England DF (1990-03-28) 28 March 1990 (age 34) Middlesbrough 2012 2016 30 0
29 Enda Stevens Republic of Ireland DF (1990-07-09) 9 July 1990 (age 34) Shamrock Rovers 2012 (Winter) 2015 9 0
30 Eric Lichaj United States DF (1988-11-17) 17 November 1988 (age 36) Aston Villa Academy 2008 2013 41 2
32 Nathan Baker England DF (1991-04-23) 23 April 1991 (age 33) Aston Villa Academy 2009 2014 43 0
34 Matthew Lowton England DF (1989-06-09) 9 June 1989 (age 35) Sheffield United 2012 2016 44 2
37 Derrick Williams Republic of Ireland DF (1993-01-17) 17 January 1993 (age 31) Aston Villa Academy 2012 undisclosed 1 0
Midfielders
7 Stephen Ireland Republic of Ireland MF (1986-08-22) 22 August 1986 (age 38) Manchester City 2010 2014 49 1
8 Karim El Ahmadi Morocco MF (1985-01-27) 27 January 1985 (age 39) Feyenoord 2012 2015 23 1
10 Charles N'Zogbia France MF (1986-05-28) 28 May 1986 (age 38) Wigan Athletic 2011 2016 58 5
12 Marc Albrighton England MF (1989-11-18) 18 November 1989 (age 35) Aston Villa Academy 2009 2014 80 9
14 Brett Holman Australia MF (1984-03-27) 27 March 1984 (age 40) AZ 2012 undisclosed 29 2
15 Ashley Westwood England MF (1990-04-01) 1 April 1990 (age 34) Crewe Alexandra 2012 2016 31 0
16 Fabian Delph England MF (1989-11-21) 21 November 1989 (age 35) Leeds United 2009 2015 69 0
17 Jean Makoun Cameroon MF (1983-05-29) 29 May 1983 (age 41) Lyon 2011 (Winter) 2014 11 0 On loan to Stade Rennais.
18 Yacouba Sylla Mali MF (1990-11-29) 29 November 1990 (age 34) Clermont Foot 2013 (Winter) 2016 11 0
19 Stiliyan Petrov Bulgaria MF (1979-07-05) 5 July 1979 (age 45) Celtic 2006 2013 218 12 Petrov was club captain but retired on 9 May 2013.2
25 Barry Bannan Scotland MF (1989-12-01) 1 December 1989 (age 35) Aston Villa Academy 2008 2014 82 2
31 Chris Herd Australia MF (1989-04-04) 4 April 1989 (age 35) Aston Villa Academy 2008 2015 40 2
38 Gary Gardner England MF (1992-06-29) 29 June 1992 (age 32) Aston Villa Academy 2011 2014 18 0
40 Samir Carruthers Republic of Ireland MF (1993-04-04) 4 April 1993 (age 31) Aston Villa Academy 2012 undisclosed 3 0
Forwards
9 Darren Bent England FW (1984-02-06) 6 February 1984 (age 40) Sunderland 2011 (Winter) 2015 64 25
11 Gabriel Agbonlahor England FW (1986-10-13) 13 October 1986 (age 38) Aston Villa Academy 2005 2015 285 72
20 Christian Benteke Belgium FW (1990-12-03) 3 December 1990 (age 34) Racing Genk 2012 2016 39 23
21 Jordan Bowery England FW (1991-07-02) 2 July 1991 (age 33) Chesterfield 2012 2015 12 0
23 Nathan Delfouneso England FW (1991-02-02) 2 February 1991 (age 33) Aston Villa Academy 2008 2014 44 9 On loan to Blackpool.
24 Simon Dawkins England FW (1987-12-01) 1 December 1987 (age 37) Tottenham Hotspur 2013 (Winter) 2013 4 0 On from Tottenham Hotspur
26 Andreas Weimann Austria FW (1991-08-05) 5 August 1991 (age 33) Aston Villa Academy 2010 2014 49 13
36 Graham Burke Republic of Ireland FW (1993-12-21) 21 December 1993 (age 31) Aston Villa Academy 2012 undisclosed 2 0
  • 1 Guzan was originally signed in 2008 but then released in May 2012, before being re-signed in July 2012 on a new three-year contract.[21][30][199]
  • 2 Petrov was Aston Villa's club captain, but Vlaar was appointed "team captain" for the season, as Petrov was in remission from leukaemia. Darren Bent was originally named team captain, but Vlaar replaced him from 15 September[34][74][200]

Reserve squad

Players listed in bold are also part of the first team squad, as listed on the club's official website.
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
35 MF Jamaica JAM Daniel Johnson
36 FW Ireland EIR Graham Burke
37 DF Ireland EIR Derrick Williams
39 GK Switzerland SUI Benjamin Siegrist
40 MF Ireland EIR Samir Carruthers
45 DF Ireland EIR Daniel Devine
47 MF Spain ESP Juan Serrano
No. Pos. Nation Player
50 MF Hungary HUN András Stieber
GK Scotland SCO Calum Barrett
DF Saint Lucia LCA Janoi Donacien
MF Northern Ireland NIR Josh Barton
MF England ENG Courtney Cameron
FW Ireland EIR Michael Drennan

Squad numbers

Dutchman Ron Vlaar takes over the vacant number 4 after his move from Feyenoord and Ciaran Clark receives the number 6 after James Collins' departure to West Ham. New striker Jordan Bowery takes over Clark's number 21, while new signing Karim El Ahmadi receives the number 8 shirt for this season, last worn by Jermaine Jenas after his short loan spell at Villa last season. Fellow new recruits Brett Holman and Matthew Lowton have been handed the number 14 and 34 shirts respectively. The former occupier of number 14, Nathan Delfouneso, now takes the number 23 shirt as a result of Holman's arrival. Brad Guzan retains the number 22 after being re-signed by Paul Lambert, having previously been released in May 2012.

Deadline day signings Ashley Westwood and Christian Benteke will wear number 15 and 20 respectively, whilst Joe Bennett acquires the number 27.

Young goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist has been promoted to the first team for this season and has been handed number 39.

Player Position Previous squad number New squad number Previous player to wear number Notes Source
Netherlands Ron Vlaar
DF
N/A
4
England Steve Sidwell (2009–10 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198][201]
Republic of Ireland Ciaran Clark
DF
21
6
Wales James Collins (2011–12 season) [198][201]
Morocco Karim El Ahmadi
MF
N/A
8
England Jermaine Jenas (2011–12 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198][201]
Australia Brett Holman
FW
N/A
14
England Nathan Delfouneso (2011–12 season) Delfouneso vacated the No. 14 upon Holman's arrival. [198][201]
England Ashley Westwood
MF
N/A
15
England Curtis Davies (2009–10 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198][202][203]
Mali Yacouba Sylla
MF
N/A
18
England Emile Heskey (2011–12 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198]
Belgium Christian Benteke
FW
N/A
20
Republic of Ireland Robbie Keane (2011–12 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198][202][203]
England Jordan Bowery
FW
N/A
21
Republic of Ireland Ciaran Clark (2011–12 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198][204]
England Nathan Delfouneso
FW
14
23
Senegal Habib Beye (2011–12 season) Squad number was previously vacant. [198][201]
England Simon Dawkins
FW
N/A
24
Spain Carlos Cuéllar (2011–12 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198]
England Joe Bennett
DF
N/A
27
England Isaiah Osbourne (2010–11 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198][205]
England Matthew Lowton
DF
N/A
34
Australia Shane Lowry (2011–12 season) Squad number was vacant upon player's arrival. [198][201]
Switzerland Benjamin Siegrist
GK
N/A
39
England Darren Bent (2010–11 season) Siegrist promoted to first team and received #39; squad number was previously vacant. [198][201]

Transfers

In

Summer

Date Position Player name Previous club League Transfer fee Notes Source
1 July 2012
MF
Australia Brett Holman Netherlands AZ Netherlands Eredivisie Free transfer Transfer announced on 12 March 2012; player joined following expiry of contract at AZ. [19]
2 July 2012
MF
Morocco Karim El Ahmadi Netherlands Feyenoord Netherlands Eredivisie Undisclosed Fee rumoured to be in region of £2 million. [26]
6 July 2012
DF
England Matthew Lowton England Sheffield United England League One Undisclosed Fee rumoured to be in region of £3 million. [28]
16 July 2012
GK
United States Brad Guzan Unattached N/A Contract renewal Player initially released in May, but rejoined the club on 16 July. [21][30][206]
1 August 2012
DF
Netherlands Ron Vlaar Netherlands Feyenoord Netherlands Eredivisie £3.2 million [33]
29 August 2012
DF
England Joe Bennett England Middlesbrough England Championship Undisclosed Fee rumoured to be between £2.5 and 4 million. [60][61]
31 August 2012
MF
England Ashley Westwood England Crewe Alexandra England League One Undisclosed Fee rumoured to be in region £2 million. [194][66]
31 August 2012
FW
England Jordan Bowery England Chesterfield England League Two Undisclosed Fee rumoured to be £500,000, rising to £1m based on appearances. [192][65]
31 August 2012
FW
Belgium Christian Benteke Belgium Racing Genk Belgium Belgian Pro League £7 million [191][66]

Winter

Date Position Player name Previous club League Transfer fee Notes Source
31 January 2013
MF
Mali Yacouba Sylla France Clermont Foot France Ligue 2 Undisclosed Fee rumoured to be in region of £2 million [151][152]

Total spending: Decrease £22 million +

Out

Summer

Date Position Player name New club League Transfer fee Notes Source
23 May 2012
GK
United States Brad Guzan England Aston Villa England Premier League Contract renewal Player initially released in May, but rejoined the club on 16 July. [21][30][206]
23 May 2012
FW
England Emile Heskey Australia Newcastle United Jets Australia A-League Free transfer (Released) Joined Newcastle United Jets on 21 September 2012, following release from Villa. [21][207]
23 May 2012
DF
Spain Carlos Cuéllar England Sunderland England Premier League Free transfer (Released) Joined Sunderland on 2 July 2012, following release from Villa. [21][208]
23 May 2012
MF
England Ebby Nelson-Addy England Loughborough University England Midland Alliance Released Academy player; joined Loughborough University in November 2012, following release from Villa. [21]
23 May 2012
FW
England Connor Taylor England Walsall England League One Free transfer (Released) Academy player; joined Walsall on 29 July 2012, following release from Villa. [21][209]
23 May 2012
DF
England Charlie Ward Unattached TBD Free transfer (Released) Academy player [21]
23 May 2012
DF
Australia Reece Caira Australia Western Sydney Wanderers Australia A League Free transfer (Released) Academy player; joined WSW on 2 August 2012, following release from Villa. [21][210]
23 May 2012
DF
Republic of Ireland Richard Bryan England Hinckley United England Conference North Free transfer (Released) Academy player; joined Hinckley United, following release from Villa. [21]
23 May 2012
GK
England Matthew Coton England Rushall Olympic England Northern Premier League Premier Division Free transfer (Released) Academy player [21]
23 May 2012
FW
England Darious Darkin England Hinckley United England Conference North Free transfer (Released) Academy player; joined Hinckley United, following release from Villa. [21]
23 May 2012
DF
England Seb Jenkins Unattached TBD Released Academy player [21]
1 August 2012
DF
Wales James Collins England West Ham United England Premier League £2.5 million [32]

Winter

Date Position Player name New club League Transfer fee Notes Source
31 January 2013
DF
England Stephen Warnock England Leeds United England Championship Free transfer [156][157]

Total income: Increase £2.5 million

Loans

In

Winter

Date Position Player name New club League Duration Return Date Notes Source
31 January 2013
FW
England Simon Dawkins England Tottenham Hotspur England Premier League 6 months June 2013 [153][154]

Out

Summer

Date Position Player name New club League Duration Return Date Notes Source
24 August 2012
MF
Cameroon Jean Makoun France Rennes France Ligue 1 Season-long June 2013 [52][53]
31 August 2012
FW
England Nathan Delfouneso England Blackpool England Championship Season-long June 2013 [68][69]
21 September 2012
DF
England Stephen Warnock England Bolton Wanderers England Championship 3 months 22 December 2012 [75][76]

Winter

Date Position Player name New club League Duration Return Date Notes Source
23 October 2012
MF
England Daniel Johnson England Yeovil Town England League One 1 month 21 November 2012 [91][92][211]
22 November 2012
DF
Scotland Alan Hutton England Nottingham Forest England Championship 1 month 1 January 2012 [106][107]
29 January 2013
DF
Scotland Alan Hutton Spain Mallorca Spain La Liga 6 months June 2013 [158][159]

Club

Kit

Home
Home Alt.
Away
1ª Goalkeeper
2ª Goalkeeper
3ª Goalkeeper

Sponsorship

In February 2012, it was announced that Aston Villa will have a new kit sponsor for this season, ending the existing deal with Nike that has been running since 2007. Italian sportswear manufacturer Macron will produce the club's playing and training kits from 2012 to 2013.[212] Villa will become Macron's flagship club in the United Kingdom, and the deal will see the latter producing a full fashion range alongside kit commitments for the managerial and playing staff.

Villa's club sponsorship deal with Malaysian-based group Genting Casinos will also continue.[213]

Managerial changes

The club have appointed a new manager for this season (the third in a row) after Alex McLeish was sacked on 14 May 2012. McLeish only lasted eleven months in charge after replacing Gérard Houllier in June 2011.

He was replaced by fellow Scot Paul Lambert on 2 June, who was signed from Norwich City. Lambert remained as Aston Villa manager for the entire season.

Date of vacancy Outgoing manager Date of appointment Incoming manager Previous club Notes Source
14 May 2012 Scotland Alex McLeish 2 June 2012 Scotland Paul Lambert England Norwich City [1][2]

Season statistics

Appearances

Number Nation Name Premier League FA Cup League Cup Total Notes
Start Sub Start Sub Start Sub Start Sub
Goalkeepers
1 Republic of Ireland Given 2 2 5 9 0
22 United States Guzan 36 1 37 0
33 England Marshall 0 0
39 Switzerland Siegrist 0 0
Defenders
2 Scotland Hutton 0 0 [Note 1]
3 England Warnock 0 0 [Note 2]
4 Netherlands Vlaar 26 1 3 30 0
5 Republic of Ireland Dunne 0 0 [Note 3]
6 Republic of Ireland Clark 30 2 3 35 0
27 England Bennett 21 4 2 2 25 4
29 Republic of Ireland Stevens 6 1 1 1 7 2
30 United States Lichaj 9 8 2 3 1 14 9
32 England Baker 25 1 1 2 28 1
34 England Lowton 37 1 5 43 0
37 Republic of Ireland Williams 1 0 1
Midfielders
7 Republic of Ireland Ireland 9 4 1 3 12 5
8 Morocco El Ahmadi 13 6 3 15 7
10 France N'Zogbia 10 10 2 3 2 15 12
12 England Albrighton 4 5 1 1 5 6
14 Australia Holman 16 11 1 1 17 12
15 England Westwood 27 2 1 28 2
16 England Delph 19 4 2 4 1 25 5
17 Cameroon Makoun 0 0 [Note 4]
18 Mali Sylla 8 3 8 3 [Note 5]
19 Bulgaria Petrov 0 0 [Note 6]
25 Scotland Bannan 20 5 1 1 3 24 6
31 Australia Herd 9 3 1 12 1
35 England Johnson 0 0 [Note 7]
38 England Gardner 2 0 2 [Note 8]
40 Republic of Ireland Carruthers 0 0
Forwards
9 England Bent 8 8 2 2 2 12 10
11 England Agbonlahor 23 4 1 3 27 5
20 Belgium Benteke 34 2 5 39 2
21 England Bowery 3 7 1 1 4 8
23 England Delfouneso 1 1 0 [Note 9]
24 England Dawkins 4 0 4 [Note 10]
26 Austria Weimann 25 4 1 1 4 2 30 7
36 Republic of Ireland Burke 2 0 2

Last updated: 19 May 2013
Source: 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).
Players listed are those who have most appearances in respected positions.
Includes Cup competitions as well (League Cup & FA Cup).

Notes
  1. ^ Loaned to Nottingham Forest on 22 November 2012, returned 1 January 2013.
    Loaned to Mallorca on 29 January 2013.
  2. ^ Loaned to Bolton Wanderers on 21 September 2012, returned 22 December.
    Transferred to Leeds United on 31 January 2013
  3. ^ Out injured all season.
  4. ^ Loaned to Rennes until the end of the season on 24 August 2012.
  5. ^ Signed from Clermont Foot on 31 January 2013.
  6. ^ Petrov was in remission during season after being diagnosed with leukemia in March 2012. He then retired on 9 May 2013
  7. ^ Loaned to Yeovil Town on 23 October 2012. Returned 21 November.
  8. ^ Out injured from August–March.
  9. ^ Loaned to Blackpool until the end of the season on 31 August 2012.
  10. ^ Loaned from Tottenham Hotspur until the end of the season on 31 January 2013.


Captains

No. P Name Country No. games Notes
4 DF Vlaar Netherlands 28 Team captain1
6 DF Clark Republic of Ireland 11 Team captain
9 FW Bent England 4 Team captain1
11 FW Agbonlahor England 3 Team captain

Last updated: 19 May 2013
Source: Competitive match reports.
Competitive matches only
Matches started as captain only
Country: FIFA nationality; No.: Squad number; P: Position; Name: Player name; No. Games: Number of games started as captain.

1 Bent was originally named as Stiliyan Petrov's successor for the season but Vlaar replaced him from 15 September 2012.[34][74]

Goalscorers

Correct as of 19 May 2013
Players with the same number of goals are listed by their position on the club's official website Source
  Players highlighted in light grey denote the player had scored for the club before leaving for another club
  Players highlighted in light cyan[broken anchor] 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

Pos. Playing Pos. Nation Name Premier League FA Cup League Cup Total
1 FW Belgium Christian Benteke 19 4 23
2 FW England Gabriel Agbonlahor 9 3 12
FW Austria Andreas Weimann 7 1 4 12
3 FW England Darren Bent 3 2 1 6
4 MF France Charles N'Zogbia 2 1 3
5 DF Netherlands Ron Vlaar 2 2
DF England Matthew Lowton 2 2
FW Australia Brett Holman 1 1 2
6 DF Republic of Ireland Ciaran Clark 1 1
MF Morocco Karim El Ahmadi 1 1
MF England Fabian Delph 1 1
MF Australia Chris Herd 1 1
Own Goals 1 1
Total 47 3 17 67

Clean sheets

Includes all competitive matches.

R No. Pos Nat Name Premier League FA Cup League Cup Total
1 22 GK United States Brad Guzan 5 0 1 6
TOTALS 5 0 1 6
As of

Disciplinary record

Correct as of 19 May 2013
Players with the same number of cards are listed by their position on the club's official website Source
  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[broken anchor] 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
One Red card = Two Yellow card

No. Nat Pos Name Premier League FA Cup League Cup Total
Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card Yellow card Yellow card Yellow-red card Red card
16 England MF Fabian Delph 7 4 11 0 0
34 England DF Matthew Lowton 10 10 0 0
6 Republic of Ireland DF Ciaran Clark 6 1 1 7 0 1
20 Belgium FW Christian Benteke 7 1 7 1 0
27 England DF Joe Bennett 4 1 1 5 1 0
30 United States DF Eric Lichaj 6 6 0 0
8 Morocco MF Karim El Ahmadi 5 1 61 0 0
11 England FW Gabriel Agbonlahor 4 1 5 0 0
10 France MF Charles N'Zogbia 1 3 4 0 0
25 Scotland MF Barry Bannan 3 1 4 0 0
32 England DF Nathan Baker 3 3 0 0
26 Austria FW Andreas Weimann 3 3 0 0
22 United States GK Brad Guzan 2 2 0 0
4 Netherlands DF Ron Vlaar 1 1 2 0 0
18 Mali MF Yacouba Sylla 2 2 0 0
15 England MF Ashley Westwood 2 2 0 0
29 Republic of Ireland DF Enda Stevens 1 1 0 0
7 Republic of Ireland MF Stephen Ireland 1 1 0 0
12 England MF Marc Albrighton 1 1 0 0
31 Australia MF Chris Herd 1 1 0 0
9 England FW Darren Bent 1 0 0
14 Australia FW Brett Holman 1 1 0 0
21 England FW Jordan Bowery 1 1 0 0
TOTALS 72[214] 2 1 2 0 0 13 0 0 87 2 1
Notes

1El Ahmadi received his fifth yellow card of the season against Swindon Town on 30 October 2012. This was not documented on the BBC match report, though the suspension was served.

Home attendances

Correct as of 11 May 2013
  Win   Draw   Loss

Comp Week/Round Date Score Opponent Attendance
Premier League Wk 2 25 August 2012 1–3 Everton 36,565
League Cup Rd 2 28 August 2012 3–0 Tranmere Rovers 15,319
Premier League Wk 4 15 September 2012 2–0 Swansea City 34,005
Premier League Wk 6 30 September 2012 1–1 West Bromwich Albion 34,489
Premier League Wk 9 27 October 2012 1–1 Norwich City 33,184
Premier League Wk 11 10 November 2012 2–3 Manchester United 40,538
Premier League Wk 13 24 November 2012 0–0 Arsenal 34,607
Premier League Wk 14 27 November 2012 1–0 Reading 28,692
Premier League Wk 16 8 December 2012 0–0 Stoke City 30,110
Premier League Wk 19 26 December 2012 0–4 Tottenham Hotspur 36,863
Premier League Wk 20 29 December 2012 0–3 Wigan Athletic 33,374
FA Cup Rd 3 5 January 2013 2–1 Ipswich Town 24,854
Premier League Wk 22 12 January 2013 0–1 Southampton 32,500
League Cup SF (2) 22 January 2013 2–1 Bradford City 40,193
Premier League Wk 24 29 January 2013 1–2 Newcastle United 30,334
Premier League Wk 26 10 February 2013 2–1 West Ham United 30,503
Premier League Wk 28 2 March 2013 0–1 Manchester City 33,217
Premier League Wk 30 10 March 2013 3–2 Queens Park Rangers 38,594
Premier League Wk 31 31 March 2013 1–2 Liverpool 42,037
Premier League Wk 33 13 April 2013 1–1 Fulham 37,011
Premier League Wk 35 29 April 2013 6–1 Sunderland 37,428
Premier League Wk 37 11 May 2013 1–2 Chelsea 42,084
Total Attendance 746,501
Average League Attendance 35,509[215]
Average Attendance 33,932

Competitions

Overall

Competition Started round Final
position / round
First match Last match
Premier League 15th 18 August 2012 19 May 2013
League Cup 2nd round Semi-finals 28 August 2012 22 January 2013
FA Cup 3rd round 4th Round 5 January 2013 25 January 2013

Updated to match played 19 May 2013
Source: Competitions

Pre season

  Win   Draw   Loss   Postponed

14 July 2012[216] Burton Albion 1–2 Aston Villa Burton upon Trent
15:00 UTC±0 Weir 9' Report Holness 42' (o.g.)
Holman 83'
Stadium: Pirelli Stadium
Attendance: 4,165
Referee: Kevin Friend
1 August 2012[217] Peterborough United 0–2 Aston Villa Peterborough
19:45 UTC±0 Report Johnson 39'
Holman 81'
Stadium: London Road Stadium
Attendance: 2,071
Referee: Andy Woolmer
4 August 2012[218] Nottingham Forest 3–1 Aston Villa Nottingham
15:00 UTC±0 McGugan 71', 85'
Tudgay 77'
Report Bannan 73' Stadium: City Ground
Attendance: 12,442
Referee: Stuart Attwell
11 August 2012[219] Werder Bremen Germany 3–3 Aston Villa Bremen
18:00 UTC+1 Füllkrug 11'
Elia 52'
Hunt 71'
Report Bent 16', 68'
Clark 22'
Stadium: Weserstadion
Attendance: 22,800

US tour On 27 March 2012, the club announced plans for a pre-season tour of the US as part of the preparations for the 2012–13 season. The tour saw the club taking on Major League Soccer clubs from the three US cities of Portland, Chicago and Philadelphia between 18 and 24 July 2012.[20]

Villa won all three matches, after 1–0 victories over both Philadelphia Union and Chicago Fire and a penalty shootout victory after an initial 2–2 draw with Portland Timbers.[36][37][38]

18 July 2012 Philadelphia Union United States 0–1 Aston Villa Chester, PA
UTC−04:00 Report Delfouneso 43' Stadium: PPL Park
Attendance: 17,195
21 July 2012 Chicago Fire United States 0–1 Aston Villa Bridgeview, IL
UTC−05:00 Report Agbonlahor 39' Stadium: Toyota Park
Attendance: 16,388
Referee: Daniel Fitzgerald (United States)
24 July 2012 Portland Timbers United States 2–2
(4–5 p)
Aston Villa Portland, OR
UTC−07:00 Rincón 76'
Wallace 81'
Report Clark 42'
Lowton 80'
Stadium: Jeld-Wen Field
Attendance: 20,438
Referee: Juan Guzmán (United States)
Penalties
Rincón soccer ball with check mark
Jean-Baptiste soccer ball with check mark
Songo'o soccer ball with check mark
Renken soccer ball with check mark
Dike soccer ball with red X
soccer ball with check mark Bannan
soccer ball with check mark Lichaj
soccer ball with check mark Gardner
soccer ball with check mark N'Zogbia
soccer ball with check mark Carruthers

Premier League

League table

Pos Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts
13 Stoke City 38 9 15 14 34 45 −11 42
14 Southampton 38 9 14 15 49 60 −11 41
15 Aston Villa 38 10 11 17 47 69 −22 41
16 Newcastle United 38 11 8 19 45 68 −23 41
17 Sunderland 38 9 12 17 41 54 −13 39
Source: Premier League
Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Goal difference; 3) Goals scored; 4) Play-offs (only if needed to decide champion, teams for relegation or teams for UEFA competitions).[220]
Games played 46 (38 Premier League, 2 FA Cup, 6 League Cup)
Games won 16 (10 Premier League, 1 FA Cup, 5 League Cup)
Games drawn 11 (11 Premier League)
Games lost 19 (17 Premier League, 1 League Cup, 1 FA Cup)
Goals scored 67 (47 Premier League, 3 FA Cup, 17 League Cup)
Goals conceded 81 (69 Premier League, 3 FA Cup, 9 League Cup)
Total goal difference −14 (−22 Premier League, 0 FA Cup, +8 League Cup)
Clean sheets 6 (5 Premier League, 1 League Cup)
Yellow Cards 87 (72 Premier League, 2 FA Cup, 13 League Cup)
Red Cards 3 (3 Premier League)
Most appearances England Matthew Lowton (44)
Top scorer Belgium Christian Benteke (23)
Worst Discipline England Fabian Delph (11 Yellow card)
Best Result 6–1 vs Sunderland (H), Premier League (29 April 2013)
Worst Result 8–0 vs Chelsea (A), Premier League (23 December 2012)
Points 41

Results summary

Overall Home Away
Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts W D L GF GA GD W D L GF GA GD
38 10 11 17 47 69  −22 41 5 5 9 23 28  −5 5 6 8 24 41  −17

Last updated: 19 May 2013.
Source: Competitive matches

Results by matchday

Match1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738
GroundAHAHAHAAHAHAHHAHAAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA
ResultLLDWLDLLDWLLDWDDWLLLDLDLDWLLWWLWDLWWLD
Position1520171314151617171717181817151614161617161817191917181817171816171716131615
Updated to match(es) played on 19 May 2013. Source: Premier League
A = Away; H = Home; W = Win; D = Draw; L = Loss

Matches

  Win   Draw   Loss   Postponed

18 August 2012 1 West Ham United 1–0 Aston Villa London
15:00 BST Nolan 40' AVFC
BBC
Clark Yellow card 39' Stadium: Boleyn Ground
Attendance: 34,172
Referee: Mike Dean
25 August 2012 2 Aston Villa 1–3 Everton Birmingham
15:00 BST Clark Red card 57'
El Ahmadi 74', Yellow card 82'
AVFC
BBC
Pienaar 3'
Fellaini 31'
Jelavić 43'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 36,565
Referee: Michael Oliver
2 September 2012 3 Newcastle United 1–1 Aston Villa Newcastle upon Tyne
16:00 BST Ben Arfa 59'
Gutiérrez Yellow card 85'
AVFC
BBC
Clark 22'
El Ahmadi Yellow card 27'
Lichaj Yellow card 90'
Guzan Yellow card 90+2'
Holman Yellow card 90+4'
Stadium: Sports Direct Arena
Attendance: 48,245
Referee: Lee Probert
15 September 2012 4 Aston Villa 2–0 Swansea City Birmingham
15:00 BST Lowton 16', Yellow card 37'
Clark Yellow card 25'
Lichaj Yellow card 80'
Benteke 88'
AVFC
BBC
Michu Yellow card 40' Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 34,005
Referee: Lee Mason
22 September 2012 5 Southampton 4–1 Aston Villa Southampton
15:00 BST Lambert 58', 90+5' (pen.)
Clyne 63', Yellow card 65'
Puncheon 72'
AVFC
BBC
Bent 36'
Vlaar Yellow card 43'
Lichaj Yellow card 53'
Guzan Yellow card 90+4'
Stadium: St Mary's Stadium
Attendance: 30,713
Referee: Jonathan Moss
30 September 2012 6 Aston Villa 1–1 West Bromwich Albion Birmingham
16:00 BST Delph Yellow card 23'
Bent 80'
AVFC
BBC
Long 51'
Tamaș Yellow card 90+4'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 34,489
Referee: Anthony Taylor
7 October 2012 7 Tottenham Hotspur 2–0 Aston Villa London
15:00 BST Caulker 58'
Lennon 67'
Walker Yellow card 73'
AVFC
BBC
Delph Yellow card 27'
Bennett Yellow card 47'
El Ahmadi Yellow card 57'
Stadium: White Hart Lane
Attendance: 35,802
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
20 October 2012 8 Fulham 1–0 Aston Villa London
15:00 BST Riise Yellow card 70'
Baird 84'
AVFC
BBC
El Ahmadi Yellow card 50'
Lichaj Yellow card 77'
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Attendance: 25,693
Referee: Chris Foy
27 October 2012 9 Aston Villa 1–1 Norwich City Birmingham
12:45 BST Benteke 27'
Bennett Yellow card 29' Yellow-red card 52'
Herd Yellow card 63'
AVFC
BBC
Turner 79' Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 33,184
Referee: Phil Dowd
3 November 2012 10 Sunderland 0–1 Aston Villa Sunderland
15:00 GMT Bardsley Yellow card 33'
Fletcher Yellow card 90'
AVFC
BBC
Lichaj Yellow card 45+3'
Agbonlahor 57'
Clark Yellow card 69'
Benteke Yellow card 81'
Stadium: Stadium of Light
Attendance: 41,515
Referee: Mike Jones
10 November 2012 11 Aston Villa 2–3 Manchester United Birmingham
17:30 GMT Weimann 45+1', 50'
Ireland Yellow card 56'
AVFC
BBC
Hernández 58', 87'
Vlaar 63' (o.g.)
Carrick Yellow card 65'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 40,538
Referee: Kevin Friend
17 November 2012 12 Manchester City 5–0 Aston Villa Manchester
15:00 GMT Silva 43'
Agüero 54' (pen.), 67'
Tevez 65' (pen.), 74'
AVFC
BBC
Bannan Yellow card 56' Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 47,072 (989 away)
Referee: Jon Moss
24 November 2012 13 Aston Villa 0–0 Arsenal Birmingham
17:30 GMT El Ahmadi Yellow card 22' AVFC
BBC
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 34,607
Referee: Lee Mason
27 November 2012 14 Aston Villa 1–0 Reading Birmingham
20:00 GMT Clark Yellow card 64'
Benteke 80'
AVFC
BBC
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 28,692
1 December 2012 15 Queens Park Rangers 1–1 Aston Villa London
15:00 GMT Mackie 18'
Derry Yellow card 61'
AVFC
BBC
Holman 8'
Baker Yellow card 48'
Lowton Yellow card 63'
Stadium: Loftus Road
Attendance: 17,387
Referee: Howard Webb
8 December 2012 16 Aston Villa 0–0 Stoke City Birmingham
15:00 GMT AVFC
BBC
Shotton Yellow card 75' Yellow-red card 90+2' Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 30,110
Referee: Roger East
15 December 2012 17 Liverpool 1–3 Aston Villa Liverpool
15:00 GMT Gerrard 87'
Suárez Yellow card 89'
AVFC
BBC
Benteke 29', 51', Yellow card 88'
Weimann 40'
Lowton Yellow card 65'
Stadium: Anfield
Attendance: 44,607
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
23 December 2012 18 Chelsea 8–0 Aston Villa London
16:00 GMT Torres 3'
David Luiz 29'
Ivanović 34'
Lampard 59'
Ramires 76', 90+1'
Oscar 79' (pen.)
Hazard 83'
AVFC
BBC
Stadium: Stamford Bridge
Attendance: 41,363
Referee: Phil Dowd
26 December 2012 19 Aston Villa 0–4 Tottenham Hotspur Birmingham
15:00 GMT Delph Yellow card 69' AVFC
BBC
Defoe 57'
Bale 61', 73', 84'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 36,863
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
29 December 2012 20 Aston Villa 0–3 Wigan Athletic Birmingham
15:00 GMT Bannan Yellow card 55'
Lowton Yellow card 80'
Weimann Yellow card 90'
AVFC
BBC
Ramis 3'
Boyce Yellow card 36', 52'
Maloney Yellow card 43'
Koné 56'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 33,374
Referee: Kevin Friend
1 January 2013 21 Swansea City 2–2 Aston Villa Swansea
15:00 GMT Routledge 9'
Graham 90+4'
AVFC
BBC
Clark Yellow card 40'
Weimann Yellow card 41', 44'
Delph Yellow card 41'
Stevens Yellow card 45+1'
Benteke 84' (pen.)
Stadium: Liberty Stadium
Attendance: 20,406
Referee: Mark Halsey
12 January 2013 22 Aston Villa 0–1 Southampton Birmingham
15:00 GMT Weimann Yellow card 90+4' AVFC
BBC
Lambert 34' (pen.)
Boruc Yellow card 90+2'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 32,500
Referee: Mark Halsey
19 January 2013 23 West Bromwich Albion 2–2 Aston Villa West Bromwich
17:30 GMT Olsson Yellow card 21'
Lukaku Yellow card 43'
Brunt 49'
Dorrans Yellow card 62'
Odemwingie 83'
AVFC
BBC
Benteke 12'
Agbonlahor Yellow card 21', 31'
Lichaj Yellow card 58'
Lowton Yellow card 61'
Stadium: The Hawthorns
Attendance: 25,583
Referee: Lee Probert
29 January 2013 24 Aston Villa 1–2 Newcastle United Birmingham
19:45 GMT N'Zogbia Yellow card 42'
Benteke 49' (pen.), Yellow card 61'
Baker Yellow card 67'
Lowton Yellow card 76'
Agbonlahor Yellow card 78'
AVFC
BBC
Cissé 19'
Cabaye 31'
Gutiérrez Yellow card 52'
Ameobi Yellow card 87'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 30,334
Referee: Mike Dean
2 February 2013 25 Everton 3–3 Aston Villa Liverpool
15:00 GMT Anichebe 21'
Fellaini 68', 90+3'
Osman Yellow card 89'
AVFC
BBC
Benteke 2', 61', Yellow card 45+1'
Agbonlahor 24', Yellow card 88'
Lowton Yellow card 63'
Sylla Yellow card 90+6'
Stadium: Goodison Park
Attendance: 38,121
Referee: Mike Jones
10 February 2013 26 Aston Villa 2–1 West Ham United Birmingham
13:30 GMT Baker Yellow card 72'
Benteke 74' (pen.)
N'Zogbia 78'
Bent Yellow card 87'
Clark Yellow card 90+2'
AVFC
BBC
Pogatetz Yellow card 45'
Reid Yellow card 78'
Westwood 87' (o.g.)
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 30,503
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
23 February 2013 27 Arsenal 2–1 Aston Villa London
15:00 GMT Cazorla 6', 85'
Diaby Yellow card 37'
AVFC
BBC
Lowton Yellow card 36'
Delph Yellow card 66'
Weimann 68'
Stadium: Emirates Stadium
Attendance: 60,079
Referee: Martin Atkinson
4 March 2013 28 Aston Villa 0–1 Manchester City Birmingham
20:00 GMT Benteke Yellow card 75'
Delph Yellow card 90+3'
AVFC
BBC
Tevez 45+1' Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 33,217
Referee: Mike Dean
9 March 2013 29 Reading 1–2 Aston Villa Reading
15:00 GMT Baker 32' (o.g.)
Hunt Yellow card 54'
McAnuff Yellow card 87'
AVFC
BBC
Lowton Yellow card 10'
Benteke 33', Yellow card 67'
Agbonlahor 45'
Westwood Yellow card 85'
Stadium: Madejski Stadium
Attendance: 24,102
Referee: Jonathan Moss
16 March 2013 30 Aston Villa 3–2 Queens Park Rangers Birmingham
15:00 GMT Sylla Yellow card 31'
Bannan Yellow card 42'
Weimann Yellow card 45+1', 59'
Agbonlahor 45+3'
Benteke 81'
AVFC
BBC
Mbia Yellow card 13'
Jenas 23'
Townsend 73'
Hoilett Yellow card 88'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 38,594
Referee: Kevin Friend
31 March 2013 31 Aston Villa 1–2 Liverpool Birmingham
13:30 GMT Benteke 31'
Westwood Yellow card 90+1'
AVFC
BBC
Henderson 47'
Gerrard Yellow card 48', 60' (pen.)
Stadium: Villa Park
6 April 2013 32 Stoke City 1–3 Aston Villa Stoke-on-Trent
15:00 BST Shotton Yellow card 64'
Shawcross Yellow card 66'
Kightly 80'
Adam Yellow card 90+2'
AVFC
BBC
Agbonlahor 9', Yellow card 35'
Lowton 87'
Benteke 90+1'
Stadium: Britannia Stadium
Attendance: 27,544
Referee: Mark Clattenburg
13 April 2013 33 Aston Villa 1–1 Fulham Birmingham
15:00 BST N'Zogbia 55'
Sylla Yellow card 69'
AVFC
BBC
Enoh Yellow card 58'
Delph 66' (o.g.)
Richardson Yellow card 87'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 37,011
Referee: Phil Dowd
22 April 2013 34 Manchester United 3–0 Aston Villa Manchester
20:00 BST Van Persie 2', 13', 33'
Evra Yellow card 28'
AVFC
BBC
Stadium: Old Trafford
Attendance: 75,591
Referee: Anthony Taylor
29 April 2013 35 Aston Villa 6–1 Sunderland Birmingham
20:00 BST Vlaar 31'
Weimann 37'
Benteke 55', 59', 72'
Agbonlahor 88'
AVFC
BBC
Rose 32', Yellow card 66'
Cuéllar Yellow card 34'
Sessègnon Red card 70'
Bardsley Yellow card 76'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 37,428
Referee: Lee Probert
4 May 2013 36 Norwich City 1–2 Aston Villa Norwich
15:00 BST Johnson Yellow card 59'
Holt 74' (pen.)
R. Bennett Yellow card 90+5'
AVFC
BBC
J. Bennett Yellow card 18'
Delph Yellow card 54'
Agbonlahor 55', 89'
Benteke Yellow card 68'
Stadium: Carrow Road
Attendance: 26,842
Referee: Kevin Friend
11 May 2013 37 Aston Villa 1–2 Chelsea Birmingham
12:45 GMT Baker Yellow card 4'
Benteke 14', Yellow card 36' Yellow-red card 58'
AVFC
BBC
Lampard 61', 88', Yellow card 85'
Ramires Yellow card 16' Yellow-red card 44'
Terry Yellow card 42'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 42,084
Referee: Lee Mason
19 May 2013 38 Wigan Athletic 2–2 Aston Villa Wigan
15:00 BST Boyce 21', Yellow card 83'
Baker 45' (o.g.)
McCarthy Yellow card 70'
AVFC
BBC
Bent 5'
Lowton Yellow card 41'
Vlaar 61'
Stadium: DW Stadium
Referee: Neil Swarbrick

FA Cup

Round 3 4
Ground H A
Result 2–1 1–2
5 January 2013 Third round Aston Villa 2–1 Ipswich Town Birmingham
15:00 UTC±0 Bent 46'
Weimann 83'
[114][115][116]
AVFC
BBC
Kisnorbo Yellow card 12'
Chopra 31'
Hyam Yellow card 81'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 24,854
Referee: Jonathan Moss
25 January 2013 Fourth round Millwall 2–1 Aston Villa London
19:45 UTC±0 Shittu 27'
Beevers Yellow card 81'
Marquis 89'
[136][137][138]
AVFC
BBC
Bent 22'
Bennett Yellow card 53'
Bowery Yellow card 82'
Stadium: The Den
Attendance: 15,007
Referee: Neil Swarbrick

League Cup

Round 2 3 4 QF SF (1) SF (2)
Ground H A A A A H
Result 3–0 4–2
(aet)
3–2 4–1 1–3 2–1
28 August 2012 Second round Aston Villa 3–0 Tranmere Rovers Birmingham
19:45 UTC±0 Delph 38', Yellow card 78'
Herd 66'
Bent 81'
Bannan Yellow card 84'
[46][47][48]
AVFC
BBC
Taylor Yellow card 28'
Holmes Yellow card 84'
Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 15,319
Referee: James Adcock
25 September 2012 Third round Manchester City 2–4 (a.e.t.) Aston Villa Manchester
19:45 UTC±0 Balotelli 27'
Tevez Yellow card 45+1'
Kolarov 64', Yellow card 114'
Razak Yellow card 90+5'
K. Touré Yellow card 108'
[62][63][64]
AVFC
BBC
Delph Yellow card 45+1'
Barry 59' (o.g.)
Vlaar Yellow card 63'
Agbonlahor 70', 113'
Albrighton Yellow card 88'
N'Zogbia 97', Yellow card 102'
Stadium: Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 28,015
Referee: Phil Dowd
30 October 2012 Fourth round Swindon Town 2–3 Aston Villa Swindon
19:45 UTC±0 Flint Yellow card 14'
Storey 78', 81'
[81][82][83]
AVFC
BBC
Benteke 30', 90'
Agbonlahor 39', Yellow card 78'
El Ahmadi Yellow card 86'
Stadium: County Ground
Attendance: 14,434
Referee: Stuart Attwell
11 December 2012 Quarter-finals Norwich City 1–4 Aston Villa Norwich
19:45 UTC±0 Morison 19' [97][98][99]
AVFC
BBC
Holman 21'
Weimann 79', 85'
Benteke 90+1'
Stadium: Carrow Road
Attendance: 26,142
Referee: Michael Oliver
8 January 2013 Semi-finals
First Leg
Bradford City 3–1 Aston Villa Bradford
19:45 UTC±0 Wells 19'
McArdle 77'
McHugh 88', Yellow card 89'
[123][124][125]
AVFC
BBC
N'Zogbia Yellow card 61'
Delph Yellow card 78'
Weimann 82'
Stadium: Valley Parade
Attendance: 22,245
Referee: Howard Webb
22 January 2013 Semi-finals
Second Leg
Aston Villa 2–1
(3–4 agg.)
Bradford City Birmingham
19:45 UTC±0 Clark Yellow card 22'
Benteke 23'
N'Zogbia Yellow card 83'
Weimann 89'
Delph Yellow card 90+2'
[123][124][125]
AVFC
BBC
Hanson 55' Stadium: Villa Park
Attendance: 40,193
Referee: Phil Dowd

Notes

References

  1. ^ a b c d "Alex McLeish sacked as Aston Villa manager". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 14 May 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d "Aston Villa appoint Paul Lambert from Norwich City as new boss". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2 June 2012.
  3. ^ "West Ham 1–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 18 August 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  4. ^ "Aston Villa 2–0 Swansea". BBC Sport. 15 September 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  5. ^ "Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert given one-match touchline ban". BBC Sport. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  6. ^ "Norwich 1–4 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 11 December 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  7. ^ "Chelsea 8–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 23 December 2012. Retrieved 18 May 2013.
  8. ^ "Aston Villa 0–4 Tottenham". BBC Sport. 26 December 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  9. ^ "Aston Villa 0–3 Wigan". BBC Sport. 29 December 2012. Retrieved 5 January 2013.
  10. ^ "Aston Villa 2–1 Bradford (3–4)". BBC Sport. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  11. ^ "Reading 1–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. 9 March 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  12. ^ "Aston Villa 3–2 QPR". BBC Sport. 16 March 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  13. ^ "Aston Villa 6–1 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  14. ^ a b "Lambo puts a spring in Villa's step". Birmingham Mail. 21 May 2013. Retrieved 23 May 2013.
  15. ^ "Prem announce U21s competition". Sky Sports. 3 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  16. ^ "Dates revealed for Villa's NextGen Series group stage fixtures". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 7 August 2012. Archived from the original on 8 August 2012. Retrieved 9 August 2012.
  17. ^ "Villa U19 2–0 Chelsea U19: European glory for Villa young guns". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 1 April 2013. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  18. ^ "Match Report". nextgenseries.com. The NextGen Series. 1 April 2013. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  19. ^ a b c "Australia star Holman agrees to join Villa in the summer". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 12 March 2012. Archived from the original on 14 March 2012.
  20. ^ a b "Villa announce US tour as part of 2012–13 pre-season plans". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 27 March 2012. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2012.
  21. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Senior trio Guzan, Heskey and Cuellar head Villa released list". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 23 May 2012. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 23 May 2012.
  22. ^ "Aston Villa fans welcome Paul Lambert: Leave your comments for the new Villa boss". birminghammail.net. Birmingham Mail. 2 June 2012. Archived from the original on 5 June 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  23. ^ "Aston Villa striker Darren Bent impressed with manager Paul Lambert's approach". telegraph.co.uk. The Telegraph. 8 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  24. ^ a b "Aston Villa: Ian Culverhouse and Gary Karsa set to join Paul Lambert at Villa Park". birmighammail.net. Birmingham Mail. 3 July 2012. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  25. ^ a b "Long-time club servant MacDonald to leave Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 9 June 2012. Archived from the original on 5 September 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  26. ^ a b c "Karim El Ahmadi says move to Aston Villa would be dream come true". birminghammail.net. Birmingham Mail. 26 June 2012. Archived from the original on 30 June 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  27. ^ "El Ahmadi relishing "dictating games" after completing move to Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 2 July 2012. Archived from the original on 4 July 2012. Retrieved 2 July 2012.
  28. ^ a b c "Lowton completes switch to Villa from Sheffield United". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 6 July 2012. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 6 July 2012.
  29. ^ "Aston Villa's Matt Lowton aims to emulate Phil Jagielka". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 9 July 2012. Retrieved 12 July 2012.
  30. ^ a b c d e "Goalkeeper Guzan signs new three-year-deal with Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 16 July 2012. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012. Retrieved 16 July 2012.
  31. ^ "Equal opportunities for Brad Guzan and Shay Given at Aston Villa". birminghampost.net. Birmingham Post. 9 August 2012. Archived from the original on 14 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  32. ^ a b c "Defender Collins leaves Villa to rejoin former club West Ham". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 1 August 2012. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  33. ^ a b c "Vlaar aims to follow in footsteps of Laursen and McGrath after joining Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 1 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  34. ^ a b c d "Aston Villa: Snubbed Again, Darren Bent Reportedly Storms Out of Villa Park". Bleacher Report.
  35. ^ "Match report: Burton Albion 1–2 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 14 July 2012. Archived from the original on 17 July 2012. Retrieved 14 July 2012.
  36. ^ a b "USA Tour match report: Philadelphia Union 0–1 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 19 July 2012. Archived from the original on 20 July 2012. Retrieved 19 July 2012.
  37. ^ a b "USA Tour match report: Chicago Fire 0–1 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 22 July 2012. Archived from the original on 24 July 2012. Retrieved 22 July 2012.
  38. ^ a b "USA Tour match report: Timbers 2–2 Villa (Villa win on pens)". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 25 July 2012. Archived from the original on 27 July 2012. Retrieved 25 July 2012.
  39. ^ "Pre-season match report: Peterborough 0–2 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 1 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  40. ^ "Pre-season match report: Nottingham Forest 3–1 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 4 August 2012. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 5 August 2012.
  41. ^ "Pre-season match report: Werder Bremen 3–3 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 11 August 2012. Archived from the original on 13 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  42. ^ "Lambert on Bremen draw: Brace will do Bent the world of good". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 11 August 2012. Archived from the original on 13 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  43. ^ "AVFC Fixtres and Results". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  44. ^ "Barclays Premier League 2012/13 fixtures released". premierleague.com. Premier League. 18 June 2012. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  45. ^ "Aston Villa 3 – 0 West Ham". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  46. ^ a b c "Villa to face Tranmere in Capital One Cup second round". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 15 August 2012. Archived from the original on 13 January 2016. Retrieved 19 August 2012.
  47. ^ a b c "Round 2 draw". capitalonecup.co.uk. Capital One Cup. 15 August 2012. Archived from the original on 16 August 2012. Retrieved 16 August 2012.
  48. ^ a b c "Date set for Tranmere clash in Capital One Cup second round". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 19 August 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  49. ^ a b "West Ham 1–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 18 August 2012.
  50. ^ a b "West Ham 1–0 Villa match report: Nolan strike the difference". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 18 August 2012. Archived from the original on 22 August 2012. Retrieved 18 August 2012.
  51. ^ a b "Huge blow for Gardner as he faces long injury lay-off". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 24 August 2012. Archived from the original on 26 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  52. ^ a b c "Makoun loaned to Rennes". skysports.com. Sky Sports. 24 August 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  53. ^ a b c "Cameroon midfielder Jean Makoun joins Rennes on loan". BBC Sport. British Broadcast Corporation. 25 August 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2012.
  54. ^ "Aston Villa: Work permit issues continue to thwart Jean Makoun". birminghammail.net. Birmingham Mail. 4 August 2012. Archived from the original on 6 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  55. ^ "Lambert closing the door on Jean Makoun". expressandstar.com. Express and Star. 15 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  56. ^ "Match Report: Aston Villa 1–3 Everton". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 25 August 2012. Archived from the original on 26 August 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  57. ^ "Aston Villa 1–3 Everton". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 25 August 2012.
  58. ^ a b "Capital One Cup match report: Villa 3–0 Tranmere Rovers". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 28 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2012.
  59. ^ a b "Aston Villa 3–0 Tranmere". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 28 August 2012.
  60. ^ a b c "Defender Bennett completes move to Villa on four-year deal". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 29 August 2012. Archived from the original on 30 August 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  61. ^ a b c "Bennett seals Villa move". skyports.com. Sky Sports. 29 August 2012.
  62. ^ a b c "Villa face Manchester City away in Capital One Cup third round". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 30 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 September 2012. Retrieved 30 August 2012.
  63. ^ a b c "Round 3 draw". capitalonecup.co.uk. Capital One Cup. 30 August 2012.
  64. ^ a b c "Date confirmed for Villa's Capital One Cup clash at Manchester City". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 4 September 2012. Archived from the original on 7 September 2012. Retrieved 5 September 2012.
  65. ^ a b c "Aston Villa sign Jordan Bowery from Chesterfield". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 31 August 2012.
  66. ^ a b c d "Aston Villa swoop for Christian Benteke and Ashley Westwood". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 31 August 2012.
  67. ^ a b "Clint Dempsey and Hugo Lloris complete Tottenham moves". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 31 August 2012.
  68. ^ a b c "Delfouneso moves to Blackpool on season-long loan". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 September 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  69. ^ a b c "Blackpool sign Nathan Eccleston and Nathan Delfouneso". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 31 August 2012.
  70. ^ a b "Newcastle 1–1 Villa match report: Clark header earns deserved point". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 2 September 2012. Archived from the original on 23 December 2012.
  71. ^ a b "Newcastle 1–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2 September 2012.
  72. ^ a b "Villa 2–0 Swansea report: Lowton and Benteke on target in great win". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 15 September 2012. Archived from the original on 17 September 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2012.
  73. ^ a b "Aston Villa 2–0 Swansea". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 15 September 2012.
  74. ^ a b c d "Ron Vlaar: I'm proud to be new captain of Aston Villa". birminghammail.net. Birmingham Mail. 19 September 2012. Archived from the original on 16 October 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  75. ^ a b c "Defender Warnock joins Bolton on emergency loan". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 21 September 2012. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2012.
  76. ^ a b c "Bolton sign Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock on loan". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 21 September 2012.
  77. ^ "Match report: Southampton 4–1 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 22 September 2012. Archived from the original on 7 October 2012. Retrieved 22 September 2012.
  78. ^ "Southampton 4–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 22 September 2012.
  79. ^ a b "Man City 2–4 Villa match report: Lambert's Lions roar into next round". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 25 September 2012. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  80. ^ a b "Manchester City 2–4 Aston Villa (aet)". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 25 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  81. ^ a b c "Villa travel to Swindon for fourth round of Capital One Cup". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 26 September 2012. Archived from the original on 28 September 2012. Retrieved 26 September 2012.
  82. ^ a b c "Round 4 draw". capitalonecup.co.uk. Capital One Cup. 26 September 2012.
  83. ^ a b c "Date for Swindon Town cup clash confirmed". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 28 September 2012. Archived from the original on 1 October 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  84. ^ "Villa 1–1 West Brom match report: Bent strike earns deserved draw". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 30 September 2012. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  85. ^ "Aston Villa 1–1 West Brom". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 30 September 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  86. ^ "Aston Villa boss Lambert: Judge us at the end of season". goal.com. Goal. 30 September 2012. Retrieved 1 October 2012.
  87. ^ "Match report: Tottenham 2–0 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 7 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 September 2015. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  88. ^ "Tottenham 2–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 7 October 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2012.
  89. ^ "Match report: Fulham 1–0 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 20 October 2012. Archived from the original on 2 October 2015. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  90. ^ "Fulham 1–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 20 October 2012. Retrieved 22 October 2012.
  91. ^ a b "Midfielder Johnson makes loan switch to Yeovil Town". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 23 October 2012. Archived from the original on 25 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  92. ^ a b "Yeovil Town sign Aston Villa's Daniel Johnson on loan". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 23 October 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2012.
  93. ^ "Villa 1–1 Norwich match report: Benteke goal not enough for battlers". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 27 October 2012. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  94. ^ "Aston Villa 1–1 Norwich". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 27 October 2012. Retrieved 28 October 2012.
  95. ^ a b "Swindon 2–3 Villa match report: Brilliant Benteke clinches late win". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 30 October 2012. Archived from the original on 1 November 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2012.
  96. ^ a b "Swindon 2–3 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 30 October 2012.
  97. ^ a b c "Villa handed trip to Norwich in Capital One Cup quarter-finals". avfc.co.uk. Aston Vila Football Club. 31 October 2012. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  98. ^ a b c "Round 5 draw". capitalonecup.co.uk. Capital One Cup. 31 October 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  99. ^ a b c "Date of Capital One Cup quarter-final Norwich clash confirmed". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 2 November 2012. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  100. ^ a b "Sunderland 0–1 Villa match report: Lambert's Lions roar in north-east". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 3 November 2012. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  101. ^ a b "Sunderland 0–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 3 November 2012.
  102. ^ "Match report: Villa 2–3 Man Utd". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 10 November 2012. Archived from the original on 13 November 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  103. ^ "Aston Villa 2–3 Manchester United". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 10 November 2012.
  104. ^ "Match report: Man City 5–0 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 17 November 2012. Archived from the original on 19 November 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  105. ^ "Manchester City 5–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 17 November 2012. Retrieved 18 November 2012.
  106. ^ a b c "Full-back Hutton to link up with Nottingham Forest on loan". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 22 November 2012. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  107. ^ a b c "Alan Hutton joins Nottingham Forest from Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 22 November 2012.
  108. ^ "Villa 0–0 Arsenal match report: Good point for Lambert's Lions". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 24 November 2012. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  109. ^ "Aston Villa 0–0 Arsenal". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2012.
  110. ^ a b "Villa 1–0 Reading match report: Hotshot Benteke on target". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 27 November 2012. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  111. ^ a b "Aston Villa 1–0 Reading". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 27 November 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  112. ^ "QPR 1–1 Villa match report: Holman goal earns solid point". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 1 December 2012. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  113. ^ "QPR 1–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 1 December 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  114. ^ a b c "Villa handed home draw against Ipswich in FA Cup third round". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 2 December 2012. Archived from the original on 4 December 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  115. ^ a b c "THIRD ROUND DRAW". thefa.com. The Football Association. 2 December 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2012.
  116. ^ a b c "Villa's home clash against West Ham switched for TV coverage". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 4 December 2012. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2012.
  117. ^ "Villa 0–0 Stoke match report: Creditable point from Potters battle". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 8 December 2012. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 8 December 2012.
  118. ^ "Aston Villa 0–0 Stoke". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 December 2012.
  119. ^ a b "Norwich 1–4 Villa match report: Weimann brace earns semi-final place". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 11 December 2012. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 11 December 2012.
  120. ^ a b "Norwich 1–4 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 11 December 2012.
  121. ^ "Liverpool 1–3 Villa report: Benteke/Weimann rock the Reds". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 15 December 2012. Archived from the original on 19 December 2012. Retrieved 18 December 2012.
  122. ^ "Liverpool 1–3 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 15 December 2012.
  123. ^ a b c d "Capital One Cup: Villa drawn against Bradford in semi-finals". avfc.co.uk. Aston Vila Football Club. 19 December 2012. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  124. ^ a b c d "Semi-final draw". capitalonecup.co.uk. Capital One Cup. 19 December 2012.
  125. ^ a b c d "Capital One Cup: Dates announced for two semi-finals". avfc.co.uk. Aston Vila Football Club. 20 December 2012. Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  126. ^ a b "Match report: Chelsea 8–0 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 23 December 2012. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
  127. ^ a b "Chelsea 8–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 23 December 2012.
  128. ^ "Match report: Villa 0–4 Tottenham". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 26 December 2012. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  129. ^ "Aston Villa 0–4 Tottenham". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 26 December 2012. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
  130. ^ a b "Match report: Villa 0–3 Wigan". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 29 December 2012. Archived from the original on 31 December 2012. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
  131. ^ a b "Aston Villa 0–3 Wigan". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 29 December 2012.
  132. ^ "Swansea 2–2 Villa report: Lambert's Lions earn creditable point". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 1 January 2013. Archived from the original on 28 April 2014. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
  133. ^ "Swansea 2–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 1 January 2013.
  134. ^ a b "Villa 2–1 Ipswich match report: Bent and Weimann secure victory". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 5 January 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  135. ^ a b "Aston Villa 2–1 Ipswich". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 5 January 2013.
  136. ^ a b c "FA Cup draw: Villa travel to Millwall in fourth round". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 6 January 2013. Archived from the original on 8 January 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  137. ^ a b c "FOURTH ROUND DRAW". thefa.com. The Football Association. 6 January 2013.
  138. ^ a b c "Date set for FA Cup clash against Millwall". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 9 January 2013. Archived from the original on 12 January 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  139. ^ a b "Match report: Bradford 3–1 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 8 January 2013. Archived from the original on 10 January 2013. Retrieved 9 January 2013.
  140. ^ a b "Bradford 3–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 8 January 2013.
  141. ^ "Match report: Villa 0–1 Southampton". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 12 January 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 13 January 2013.
  142. ^ "Aston Villa 0–1 Southampton". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 12 January 2013.
  143. ^ "West Brom 2–2 Villa match report: Honours even in derby duel". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 19 January 2013. Archived from the original on 22 January 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  144. ^ "West Brom 2–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 19 January 2013.
  145. ^ a b "Match report: Villa 2–1 Bradford City". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 22 January 2013. Archived from the original on 23 January 2013. Retrieved 23 January 2013.
  146. ^ a b "Aston Villa 2–1 Bradford (3–4)". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 22 January 2013.
  147. ^ a b "Match report: Millwall 2–1 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 25 January 2013. Archived from the original on 27 January 2013. Retrieved 26 January 2013.
  148. ^ a b "Millwall 2–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 25 January 2013.
  149. ^ a b "Match report: Villa 1–2 Newcastle". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 29 January 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  150. ^ a b "Aston Villa 1–2 Newcastle". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 25 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  151. ^ a b c "Sylla thrilled to join "dynamic and exciting young team"". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 6 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  152. ^ a b c "Yacouba Sylla: Aston Villa sign Clermont Foot midfielder". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  153. ^ a b c "Dawkins completes late-night loan move to Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  154. ^ a b c "Simon Dawkins: Aston Villa sign Tottenham striker on loan". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  155. ^ "Aston Villa manager Paul Lambert thinks criticism is unfair". skysports.com. Sky Sports. 2 February 2013.
  156. ^ a b c "Warnock completes permanent move to Leeds United". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 3 February 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  157. ^ a b c "Leeds United: Stephen Warnock and Habib Habibou join". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 31 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  158. ^ a b c "Defender Hutton set for move to Real Mallorca". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 28 January 2013. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  159. ^ a b c "Alan Hutton will join La Liga side Real Mallorca on loan". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 2 February 2013.
  160. ^ "Match report: Everton 3–3 Villa". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 2 February 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  161. ^ "Everton 3–3 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2 February 2013.
  162. ^ a b "Match report – Villa 2–1 West Ham: Benteke/N'Zogbia on target". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 10 February 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 11 February 2013.
  163. ^ a b "Aston Villa 2–1 West Ham". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 10 February 2013.
  164. ^ "Match report: Arsenal 2–1 Villa – Weimann goal not enough". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 23 February 2013. Archived from the original on 26 February 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  165. ^ "Arsenal 2–1 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 23 February 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  166. ^ "Match report: Villa 0–1 Man City – Tevez goal wins it". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 4 March 2013. Archived from the original on 7 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  167. ^ "Aston Villa 0–1 Man City". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 4 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  168. ^ a b "Reading 1–2 Villa match report: Benteke/Agbonlahor win it". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 9 March 2013. Archived from the original on 13 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  169. ^ a b "Reading 1–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 9 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  170. ^ a b "Villa 3–2 QPR report: Lambert's Lions roar to win in thriller". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 16 March 2013. Archived from the original on 20 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  171. ^ a b "Aston Villa 3–2 QPR". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 16 March 2013. Retrieved 27 March 2013.
  172. ^ "Match report: Villa 1–2 Liverpool – Reds win Easter Sunday encounter". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 March 2013. Archived from the original on 4 April 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  173. ^ "Aston Villa 1–2 Liverpool". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 31 March 2013. Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  174. ^ a b "Stoke 1–3 Villa report: Lowton worldy wins it for Lambert's Lions". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 6 April 2013. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  175. ^ a b "Stoke 1–3 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 6 April 2013. Retrieved 7 April 2013.
  176. ^ "Villa 1–1 Fulham report: N'Zogbia on target in draw". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 13 April 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  177. ^ "Aston Villa 1–1 Fulham". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 13 April 2013. Retrieved 15 April 2013.
  178. ^ "Report: Man Utd 3–0 Villa: Defeated but not disgraced". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 22 April 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  179. ^ "Manchester United 3–0 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 22 April 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2013.
  180. ^ a b "Report: Villa 6–1 Sunderland report: Six of the best for Lambert's Lions". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 29 April 2013. Archived from the original on 1 May 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  181. ^ a b "Aston Villa 6–1 Sunderland". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 29 April 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  182. ^ "Newcastle 0–6 Liverpool". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 1 May 2013.
  183. ^ a b "Norwich 1–2 Villa report: Agbonlahor at the double to secure win". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 4 May 2013. Archived from the original on 17 September 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  184. ^ a b "Norwich 1–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 4 May 2013. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
  185. ^ a b "Stiliyan Petrov leukaemia battle: Aston Villa captain retires". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 9 May 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  186. ^ a b "Popular Petrov to be added to iconic Villa Hall of Fame". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 9 May 2013. Archived from the original on 23 September 2015. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  187. ^ "Match report: Villa 1–2 Chelsea – Lampard double wins it". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 11 May 2013. Archived from the original on 9 June 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  188. ^ "Aston Villa 1–2 Chelsea". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 11 May 2013. Retrieved 12 May 2013.
  189. ^ a b "Match report: Wigan 2–2 Villa – Bent/Vlaar on target". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 19 May 2013. Archived from the original on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2013.
  190. ^ a b "Wigan 2–2 Aston Villa". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting. 19 May 2013.
  191. ^ a b "Benteke completes move to Villa on a four-year deal". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 September 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  192. ^ a b "Bowery completes move to Villa on three-year-deal". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 September 2012.
  193. ^ "Westwood signs for Villa on four-year deal". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 September 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2012.
  194. ^ a b "Westwood makes Villa move". skysports.com. Sky Sports. 31 August 2012.
  195. ^ "Arsenal 4–1 Wigan". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 14 May 2012. Retrieved 19 May 2012.
  196. ^ "Home-grown quota for Premier League". premierleague.com. Premier League. 10 August 2011. Archived from the original on 2 May 2012. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  197. ^ "New Premier League squad rules explained". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  198. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Squad Profiles". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 16 May 2012.
  199. ^ "Villa-bound Guzan granted permit". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 1 August 2008. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
  200. ^ "Stiliyan Petrov to stay Aston Villa club captain, says Paul Lambert". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 10 June 2012.
  201. ^ a b c d e f g "Clark handed No.6, Vlaar No.4 and Lowton requests No.34". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 1 August 2012. Archived from the original on 2 August 2012. Retrieved 1 August 2012.
  202. ^ a b "Transfer deadline media recap: Benteke/Westwood sign in late deals". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 31 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 September 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
  203. ^ a b "Christian Benteke will wear No.20 while Ashley Westwood is No.15". twitter.com. AVFC Official Twitter. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
  204. ^ "Just to confirm, Jordan Bowery will wear No.21". twitter.com. AVFC Official Twitter. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
  205. ^ "Joe Bennett will wear the No.27 shirt". twitter.com. AVFC Official Twitter. 31 August 2012. Retrieved 2 September 2012.
  206. ^ a b "USA Tour: Confirmed Villa party set for flight". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 16 July 2012. Archived from the original on 18 July 2012.
  207. ^ "Emile Heskey joins Newcastle Jets in Australia's A-League". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 21 September 2012.
  208. ^ "Carlos Cuellar signs for Sunderland on a two-year contract". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2 July 2012.
  209. ^ "Paul Downing & Connor Taylor sign one-year deals for Walsall". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 1 August 2012.
  210. ^ "Aston Villa defender in Australian switch". Birmingham Mail. 2 August 2012. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012. Retrieved 2 August 2012.
  211. ^ "Yeovil: Daniel Johnson's loan ends as Jaime Peters earns trial". BBC Sport. British Broadcasting Corporation. 21 November 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2012.
  212. ^ "Villa become flagship UK club in record-breaking deal with Macron". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 6 February 2012. Archived from the original on 10 March 2012. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  213. ^ "Villa announce Genting as new principal partner". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 22 June 2011. Archived from the original on 25 June 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2012.
  214. ^ "Soccer Teams, Scores, Stats, News, Fixtures, Results, Tables - ESPN".
  215. ^ "Barclays Premier League Team Attendance Statistics - 2011-12 - ESPN Soccernet". Archived from the original on 9 May 2012. Retrieved 12 November 2012.
  216. ^ "Burton Albion pre-season friendly confirmed". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 28 March 2012. Archived from the original on 30 April 2012. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  217. ^ "Lambert's Lions travel to Peterborough for pre-season clash". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 20 June 2012. Archived from the original on 21 June 2012. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  218. ^ "Villa travel to Nottingham Forest for pre-season clash". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 10 May 2012. Archived from the original on 12 May 2012. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
  219. ^ "Villa announce friendly against German side Werder Bremen". avfc.co.uk. Aston Villa Football Club. 3 July 2012. Archived from the original on 5 July 2012. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  220. ^ "Premier League Handbook 2012/13" (PDF). Premier League. pp. 92–93. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 March 2013. Retrieved 17 August 2012.