The 2012-13 campaign delivered a triumphant return to the top flight for West Ham United as the Hammers secured a respectable 10th-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League. Leading the charge was captain Kevin Nolan, whose 10 goals, including a memorable final-day hat-trick against Reading, proved decisive in a campaign built on defensive grit and a formidable home record at Upton Park. It was a standout year under manager Sam Allardyce that saw the team claim a famous victory over London rivals Chelsea and firmly re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the elite.