Arsenal swept into the Champions League quarter-finals as Nicklas Bendtner silenced his critics with a hat-trick in a majestic 5-0 win against Porto yesterday. Arsene Wenger's side had trailed 2-1 from the first leg of this second round tie, but Bendtner overturned that deficit within 25 minutes of the return at the Emirates Stadium to set up a 6-2 aggregate victory. French midfielder Samir Nasri put Arsenal in total control with a sublime solo effort in the second half and Emmanuel Eboue added a fourth before Bendtner completed his treble from the penalty spot. It was a sweet moment of vindication for Bendtner after the Denmark striker came in for some stinging criticism for his poor finishing in Saturday's victory over Burnley. While Bendtner's lack of goals had led some fans to call for him to be dropped, Wenger kept faith in the 22-year-old and got his reward as the Dane helped Arsenal keep alive their bid for a Premier League and Champions League double. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was all praise for Bendtner's display. "It shows you how football can change very quickly for players in three days. It goes up and down very quickly," Wenger said. "It shows you as well that he had not lost the confidence. He came back with a good focus and the same belief. It is one of his strengths that his confidence level remains relatively stable. "He has the size and presence that we need. We are usually a short team so one or two players with size is important offensively and defensively." Bendtner added: "Every time I play a game I put it behind me as soon as it's finished. Sometimes it's one of those days and I put it right here. I'm happy with my hat-trick but now we move on. It will give us a lot of confidence. We want to win the Champions League. It's something we haven't done." Wenger was delighted with the way his side overcame the absence of captain Cesc Fabregas to deliver their most eye-catching display. "If I don't smile now I will never smile! We controlled the game, played our fluent football and had a positive start that gave us belief," Wenger said.

Important to encourage other sports too: Anand Mahindra

Arsenal swept into the Champions League quarter-finals as Nicklas Bendtner silenced his critics with a hat-trick in a majestic 5-0 win against Porto yesterday.

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