Welcome to Football Playback, where we explore the highs and lows of some of the most memorable football seasons. Today, we focus on the 2012 to 2013 Premier League table, a season marked by a shifting balance of power and the emergence of new contenders. It was a campaign filled with stunning goals, dramatic twists, and the end of an era for one of football’s greatest managers.
Visit our 2012-2013 Premier League page to watch the key matches and relive this fascinating season. Let’s delve into the defining moments and stories that shaped the 2012 to 2013 Premier League table.
Take a look at the 2012 to 2013 Premier League table below to see how this unforgettable season unfolded.
2012 to 2013 Premier League Table: Manchester United’s Farewell to Ferguson
The 2012 to 2013 Premier League table saw Manchester United reclaim the title in what would be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final season as manager. It was a fitting farewell for the legendary Scotsman, who ended his career with a record 20th league title, cementing his place as one of the greatest managers in football history.
United’s dominance throughout the season was clear, finishing with 89 points, 11 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City. A key factor in their success was the acquisition of Robin van Persie from Arsenal. The Dutch striker was simply sensational, scoring 26 league goals and winning the Premier League Golden Boot. His instant impact was felt in crucial matches, including a hat-trick against Aston Villa that secured the title with four games to spare.
Ferguson’s ability to integrate Van Persie into an already strong attacking unit was key to United’s success. Alongside Van Persie, Wayne Rooney, and Danny Welbeck provided additional firepower, while Michael Carrick’s performances in midfield earned him widespread acclaim. Defensively, the experience of players like Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra provided stability, ensuring United remained solid at the back.
One of the standout moments of the season came in the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, where United secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over City. Van Persie’s late free-kick sealed the win, emphasizing United’s determination to reclaim the title from their rivals. It was moments like these that highlighted Ferguson’s enduring influence and tactical acumen.
2012 to 2013 Premier League Table: Manchester City’s Title Defence
After their historic title win the previous season, Manchester City entered the 2012 to 2013 Premier League table as favourites to retain the crown. However, Roberto Mancini’s side struggled to match the intensity and consistency of the previous campaign, finishing second with 78 points.
City’s season was marked by inconsistency and internal strife, with reports of dressing room unrest and public disagreements between Mancini and some of his players. Despite boasting a squad filled with talent, including the likes of Sergio Agüero, Yaya Touré, and David Silva, City were unable to produce the kind of performances that had made them champions the previous year.
While City remained defensively strong, conceding just 34 goals, their attack lacked the same spark. Agüero and Edin Džeko were still effective, but Carlos Tévez’s departure in the summer and Mario Balotelli’s mid-season exit left City short of options upfront. Their inability to break down stubborn defences and convert draws into wins was a recurring issue throughout the season.
One of the key moments of City’s campaign was their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium in December. That result, combined with United’s relentless form, widened the gap at the top and effectively ended City’s title defence. Although they finished as runners-up, City’s struggles in the 2012 to 2013 Premier League table highlighted the challenges of maintaining success in the competitive world of the Premier League.
2012 to 2013 Premier League Table: Chelsea’s Season of Transition
The 2012 to 2013 Premier League table also saw Chelsea undergoing a season of transition. Under new manager Rafael Benítez, who took over from Roberto Di Matteo in November 2012, Chelsea finished third with 75 points. It was a season marked by inconsistency and the challenge of integrating new talent into an already star-studded squad.
Chelsea’s campaign was characterized by their success in European competition, winning the UEFA Europa League, but their league form was less impressive. Despite the attacking brilliance of players like Eden Hazard, who had joined the club in the summer, and Juan Mata, who was named the club’s Player of the Year, Chelsea struggled to find the consistency needed to challenge for the title.
One of the standout performers for Chelsea was Frank Lampard, who became the club’s all-time leading scorer during the season. His leadership and goal-scoring ability from midfield were crucial in securing a top-four finish. However, defensive vulnerabilities and a lack of cohesion at times prevented Chelsea from mounting a serious title challenge.
The highlight of Chelsea’s league campaign came with their 8-0 demolition of Aston Villa in December, showcasing the attacking potential within the squad. However, their inability to sustain that level of performance ultimately saw them finish a distant third in the 2012 to 2013 Premier League table.
2012 to 2013 Premier League Table: Arsenal’s Consistency and Tottenham’s Near Miss
The 2012 to 2013 Premier League table also featured another closely contested battle for the top four, with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur once again vying for Champions League qualification. Arsenal, under Arsène Wenger, continued their tradition of finishing in the top four, securing fourth place with 73 points, while Tottenham, managed by André Villas-Boas, finished fifth with 72 points, narrowly missing out.
Arsenal’s season was marked by their consistency, particularly in the final months of the campaign. Despite a slow start and the loss of key players like Robin van Persie, Wenger’s side rallied in the latter stages, winning eight of their last ten matches to secure a top-four finish. Theo Walcott was Arsenal’s top scorer, netting 14 league goals, while the emergence of young talents like Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey provided a glimpse of the club’s future.
One of the pivotal moments of Arsenal’s campaign came in the North London derby against Tottenham in March. Spurs took an early lead, but Arsenal fought back to win 5-2, a result that shifted the momentum in their favor and helped them secure a crucial top-four spot.
Tottenham, despite the brilliance of Gareth Bale, who won the PFA Player of the Year award for his 21 goals and numerous assists, were left to rue missed opportunities. Bale’s individual brilliance was often the difference for Spurs, but a series of draws and defeats in the final stretch saw them finish just outside the Champions League places. The disappointment of missing out on the top four underscored the fine margins at play in the 2012 to 2013 Premier League table.
2012 to 2013 Premier League Table: The Relegation Battle
The 2012 to 2013 Premier League table saw a fierce relegation battle involving several clubs fighting for their top-flight survival. In the end, Queens Park Rangers, Reading, and Wigan Athletic were the three teams that were relegated to the Championship.
Queens Park Rangers, despite significant investment in the squad and the appointment of Harry Redknapp as manager mid-season, finished bottom with just 25 points. Their season was marred by a lack of cohesion and defensive frailties, and despite the presence of experienced players like Loïc Rémy and Júlio César, they were unable to avoid the drop.
Reading, promoted at the start of the season, struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League, finishing 19th with 28 points. Despite the efforts of players like Adam Le Fondre, whose goals provided some hope, Reading’s inability to secure points against their relegation rivals ultimately saw them relegated.
Wigan Athletic, managed by Roberto Martínez, were relegated after finishing 18th with 36 points. Despite their FA Cup triumph, where they defeated Manchester City in the final, Wigan’s league form was inconsistent. Defensive weaknesses and a lack of depth in the squad proved costly, and their relegation brought an end to their eight-year stay in the Premier League.
The 2012 to 2013 Premier League table showcased the drama and unpredictability that make the league so compelling. From Manchester United’s farewell to Ferguson to the intense battles at both ends of the table, it was a season that provided unforgettable moments and set the stage for future storylines in English football.
Comments