2012/13 Premier League Fixtures & Results

The 2012/13 Premier League was the 21st season of the Premier League, featuring 20 clubs competing across 380 matches between August 2012 and May 2013. The campaign saw Manchester United reclaim the championship from rivals Manchester City and ultimately marked the end of one of the most successful managerial eras in English football history. Manchester United were crowned Premier League champions, securing their 13th Premier League title and a record-extending 20th English top-flight championship. Sir Alex Ferguson's side finished the season with 89 points, 11 clear of second-placed Manchester City, having won 28 of their 38 league matches. Robin van Persie played a major role in United's success following his summer transfer from Arsenal. The Dutch striker scored 26 Premier League goals to win the Golden Boot for the second consecutive season. His campaign included a memorable first-half hat-trick against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on 22 April 2013, with United's 3-0 victory securing the championship with four matches still to play. Manchester City were unable to successfully defend the title they had won so dramatically the previous season and finished runners-up with 78 points. Chelsea took third place to secure Champions League qualification, while Arsenal finished fourth after narrowly beating North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur to the final Champions League position. Tottenham finished fifth despite an outstanding individual season from Gareth Bale. The Welsh forward scored 21 Premier League goals and was named PFA Players' Player of the Year, PFA Young Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year before moving to Real Madrid later in 2013. The season produced several memorable matches and high-scoring encounters. Arsenal defeated Newcastle United 7-3 at the Emirates Stadium, while Chelsea recorded an 8-0 victory over Aston Villa. Manchester United's attacking strength was also demonstrated in a remarkable 4-3 victory over Newcastle on Boxing Day, with Javier Hernández scoring a late winner. At the other end of the table, Wigan Athletic, Reading and Queens Park Rangers were relegated to the Championship. Wigan's relegation came only days after one of the greatest achievements in the club's history, when they defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley to win the FA Cup. They became the first club to win the FA Cup and be relegated from the top flight in the same season. The final day provided an extraordinary conclusion to Ferguson's managerial career. Manchester United drew 5-5 with West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns in his 1,500th and final match in charge. Ferguson retired having won 13 Premier League titles during a remarkable 26-year spell as United manager. The 2012/13 season ultimately belonged to Manchester United and Sir Alex Ferguson. United reclaimed the title comfortably, while Ferguson's retirement brought an end to an era that had transformed both the club and the Premier League. Browse the complete 2012/13 Pr