Goals from Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg and Sylvain Wiltord were enough for Arsenal to go two points clear of morning leaders Liverpool at the top of the table.
Henry broke the deadlock after just 13 minutes with a brilliant solo goal for his 10th strike of the season.
The Frenchman ran unchallenged for 60 yards before curling a superb left-footed shot past Kasey Keller.
The visitors hopes of getting back into the game suffered a major blow when Simon Davies was sent-off after 28 minutes for a second bookable offence
The Welsh international picked up his first caution in the 20th minute and harshly saw red eight minutes later when referee Mike Riley awarded a foul against him for a tackle on Patrick Vieira.
Arsenal made their numerical advantage count when Freddie Ljungberg finished off a flowing move ten minutes into the second half.
Sylvain Wiltord wrapped up the win after 71 minutes with his ninth of the season to compound the misery for Glenn Hoddle's men
Liverpool have the chance to regain top spot from Arsenal on Sunday when they entertain Sunderland at Anfield.
Chelsea continued their recent rich vein of form with a victory over Middlesbrough at Stamford Bridge.
Nigerian defender Celestine Babayaro broke the deadlock two minutes into the second half after a dour first period with his first goal in three years and it was enough for all three points.
Newcastle climbed into the top six as they came back from an early goal down to beat Southampton 2-1 at St James' Park.
The home side got off to the worst possible start with James Beattie giving the visitors a shock lead after just two minutes with a blistering volley.
The Magpies fought back and Shola Ameobi brought the sides level four minutes before the break with his third goal of the season after being set-up by Kieron Dyer.
The home side went into the lead ten minutes into the second half with Aaron Hughes grabbing his first goal since last January after being put in on goal by Hugo Viana.
Dion Dublin missed a second half penalty as Aston Villa were held to a goalless draw by West Brom in a passionate Midlands derby at The Hawthorns.
The veteran striker saw his 74th minute spot-kicked saved by home goalkeeper Russell Hoult after Darren Moore had upended Gareth Barry in the box.
Charlton grabbed a precious win to climb out of the bottom four with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City at Maine Road.
South African striker Shaun Bartlett netted the only goal of the game after 79 minutes to end City's run of three successive wins.
Click on fixture for full match summary
Arsenal 3-0 Tottenham
Chelsea 1-0 Middlesbrough
Manchester City 0-1 Charlton
Newcastle 2-1 Southampton
West Brom 0-0 Aston Villa
Click here for updated Premiership table
