 His first game as captain resulted in Aston Villa's first win of the season, a 2–0 win over Swansea City.On 29 April 2013, Vlaar scored his first goal for the club with a 30-yard strike in a 6–1 victory over Sunderland.His second goal for Villa, in the last game of the season, a 2–2 draw away at Wigan Athletic, came from a spectacular half-volley from just inside the penalty area.