Arsenal fought back from a two-goal half-time deficit to knock Aston Villa out of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon.
Villa looked to be heading through when goals from Richard Dunne and Darren gave them a healthy looking advantage at the break, only for the Gunners to strike three times in 15 minutes after the restart.
The visitors' first of the evening came from Dunne, who rose highest to head in a cross from his Republic of Ireland teammate Robbie Keane.
On the stroke of half-time their advantage was doubled when Bent latched onto a through ball from Stephen Ireland. His first effort was parried by Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski but the England international managed to convert the rebound from a tight angle.
Arsenal were jeered off at the break for their first-half showing.
However, by the hour-mark the home side had got themselves in front with some aid from both of Villa's goalscorers.
Dunne brought down Aaron Ramsey inside the area after 52 minutes and a penalty was awarded. Captain Robin van Persie stepped up to convert from 12 yards.
Just four minutes later Arsene Wenger's side hauled themselves level when Villa full-back Alan Hutton's clearance struck an unsuspecting Theo Walcott and the ball looped into the net over a stranded Shay Given in goal.
As the clock ticked past 59 minutes Arsenal won another penalty when Laurent Koscielny was hauled down inside the area, with Bent the offender on this occasion. Van Persie stepped up to send Given the wrong way again.
Villa's best chance to earn a replay from the tie fell to Ciaran Clark, but his header from Ireland's cross was held by Fabianski.
Arsenal will travel to Sunderland in round five of the competition.
Liam Apicella
