Robert Pires, Emmanuel Adebayor and Alexander Hleb were on target as Arsenal registered a third consecutive league win to move fourth on 50 points, one point above north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Louis Saha scored twice for second-placed Manchester United in a 2-1 victory at West Bromwich Albion that cut Chelsea’s lead to 12 points. On Sunday, Chelsea play at Fulham and third-placed Liverpool travel to Newcastle United.
Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers maintained their challenges for a Champions League berth.
Rovers beat Middlesbrough 3-2 despite having Robbie Savage sent off while Bolton overpowered bottom club Sunderland 2-0.
Portsmouth’s hopes of staving off relegation were raised after a 4-2 triumph at West Ham United.
Everton romped to a 4-1 victory over Aston Villa and Wigan Athletic beat Manchester City 1-0.
Results:
Arsenal 3 Charlton 0
Blackburn 3 Middlesbrough 2
Bolton 2 Sunderland 0
Everton 4 Aston Villa 1
Manchester City 0 Wigan Athletic 1
West Brom 1 Manchester Utd 2
West Ham 2 Portsmouth 4
—Reuters