LONDON, Dec 2: Arsenal beat Tottenham 3-0 in the Premier League on Saturday to maintain a seven-year unbeaten streak against its north London rival. While Arsenal dominated possession and chances, Tottenham had reason to feel aggrieved at all three goals.

Emmanuel Adebayor opened the scoring with a goal that Tottenham players claimed should have been disallowed for offside. Gilberto Silva then scored two penalties for Arsenal, the first of which was awarded for what appeared to be a fair tackle and the second which followed a possible handball in the buildup.

Arsenal, which had lost its previous two games to Bolton and Fulham, went ahead in the first north London derby at Emirates Stadium in the 20th minute.

Adebayor scored from a cross by Kolo Toure and celebrated by running to the touchline and embracing club captain Thierry Henry, who missed the game with a neck injury.

Silva made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute after defender Pascal Chimbonda had been penalized for what may have been a fair tackle on midfielder Tomas Rosicky.

He scored his second penalty 30 minutes later after substitute Jermaine Jenas brought down striker Robin van Persie.

Spurs last beat Arsenal in November 1999, but that was at White Hart Lane home. It hasn't won at Arsenal since 1993 and remains without an away win this season.

Henry denied newspaper reports he had fallen out with manager Arsenal Wenger, and was in the players' tunnel before the game giving his teammates encouragement.

Henry said he had finally decided to rest after struggling with his fitness since the World Cup and may even miss the league match at champion Chelsea next Sunday.

''Going out there not 100 percent fit is not the way to help the team,'' Henry told Sky Sports television. ''We all decided I was going to take a bit of a rest and come back when I am fully fit.''

Also Saturday, Manchester United could open up a six-point lead over Chelsea if it beats Middlesbrough. The Blues are idle this weekend because their original opponents, Newcastle, played in the UEFA Cup on Thursday and are rested this weekend.

In other Saturday matches, it's: Wigan vs. Liverpool; Blackburn vs. Fulham; Portsmouth vs. Aston Villa; Reading vs. Bolton; and Sheffield United vs. Charlton.

On Sunday, Everton hosts West Ham, while Manchester City hosts Watford on Monday.—AP