The 2012–13 Southampton F.C. season was the club's 14th season in the Premier League, and their 36th at the top level of English football. Having achieved consecutive promotions from League One and the Championship the previous two seasons, the club were looking to retain their place in the Premier League after a seven-year absence from the top flight. Southampton finished 14th in the league table, five points above the relegation zone. They also made it to the fourth round of the League Cup, and were eliminated from the FA Cup in the third round by Chelsea.