Arsenal Player Ratings vs. Porto: 5-0

Arsenal came into their second leg Champions League fourth round encounter with Porto down 2-1 and needed a goal to ensure the Portuguese champions didn't proceed. Arsenal were hungry to progress to the next round, and it was immediately clear that Arsenal came to play.

Right from the first blow of the whistle an Arsenal outfit, lacking their fearless leader Cesc Fabregas, attacked with Samir Nasri spearheading the attack. As soon as Arsenal netted the first goal early on, it was clear that Porto were going to struggle and that Arsenal were going to score a host of goals.

That they did, with the much criticized Nicklas Bendtner grabbing a neat hattrick. Arsenal now progress to the quarterfinals and will be seriously backing their chances.

Player Ratings

Manuel Almunia:7: The fastly improving Spaniard had a relatively quiet evening but was reliable when called upon.

Bacary Sagna:7: The usual solid defending from the reliable Frenchman and contributed nicely in attack, providing good width and crosses.

Sol Campbell:7: A few rash passes and clearances, but all up the veteran Englishman was an able deputy for William Gallas.

Thomas Vermaelen:8: Strong and imposing at the back and always tempted to go in hard. 

Gael Clichy:7: Hulk caused the Frenchman the odd headache, but overall Clichy was solid at the back and useful in attack.

Alexandre Song:8: Control the middle with ease and dealt with the Porto attack superbly. 

Samir Nasri:9.5:  Cesc Fabrewho? The French dynamo had a superb night. Playing in Fabregas's role, Nasri stepped up sensationally, providing passing and creativity. He set up the first goal, and then a beautiful solo effort ensured Arsenal got a third.

Abou Diaby:8: Controlling and strong. Passed and moved well and helped sharpen up the Arsenal attack.

Tomas Rosicky:7: A strong effort. Some quick passing and moving helped create havoc through the middle and on the flanks. Shame to see him substituted with a suspected injury.

Andrei Arshavin:9: A huge threat down the left. His speed and balance plus such strength. A hand in three goals and unlucky not to find the net himself. 

Nicklas Bendtner:9.5: On Saturday he was rubbish, but today he is a hero. His first Arsenal hat trick. Three impressive goals and suddenly Nicklas Bendtner is as good as he said he is.

Substitutes

Emmanuel Eboue:8: Came on early in the second and immediately sparked things and finished with a fine team goal.

Denilson:7: Read the game well and contributed nicely.

Theo Walcott:7: Picked up on where he left off against Burnley. Unlucky not to score too.